Skip to content

Staley: Chargers benched prized acquisition J.C. Jackson vs. Broncos

AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images / Denver Post / Getty

The Los Angeles Chargers benched cornerback and prized offseason signing J.C. Jackson for the second half of Monday Night Football versus the Denver Broncos, head coach Brandon Staley said postgame.

"It just wasn't good enough in the first half and we felt like we needed to make a change," Staley said.

The Broncos victimized Jackson on several occasions in the opening two quarters, including a 39-yard touchdown pass to Greg Dulcich and a 47-yard deep shot to K.J. Hamler. Asked about those plays after the game, Staley confirmed that the responsibility fell on his star cornerback.

The Chargers signed Jackson to a five-year, $82.5-million deal in free agency, prying him from the New England Patriots to anchor Staley's secondary.

Jackson snatched 25 interceptions over four seasons with the Patriots, but has struggled to find his footing early with the Chargers. He missed two games early in the season after undergoing ankle surgery in August, and is still searching for his first pick with Los Angeles.

The Chargers held the Broncos to three points in the second half with Jackson on the bench, and prevailed in overtime with a 19-16 victory to improve to 4-2.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox