It’s been almost a week, but I’m still hyped about the Eddie Jackson signing.
Getting a Pro Bowler at a position of need this late into the offseason – especially on a cheap contract – is just a master stroke by Eric DeCosta and the front office. Jackson makes this defense better, and I’m excited to see how Zach Orr uses him in his scheme.
The other day, I watched a video compilation of the safety’s 2022 interceptions put out by Ryan Mink. I watched it mindlessly at first, but then I took a second, closer look and came away with one conclusion.
All four of Eddie Jackson's interceptions in 2022 in the 12 games before he suffered a Lisfranc foot injury. pic.twitter.com/jZPT9TtUy4
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) July 19, 2024
Eddie Jackson is a baller.
I watched the film a few more times and began to see what really makes this guy special, and I’ve boiled it down to two attributes: football IQ and range. In this article, I’ll break down two plays that really highlight #39’s elite skill. Long story short, I can’t wait to see him on the field.
Play #1: INT vs. SF
This was Jackson’s first pick of 2022, and oh boy was it a good one. First, here’s the video of the play itself:
One of Eddie Jackson's impressive 2022 picks, this one vs. SF. pic.twitter.com/QB66xPL0vY
— Russell St. Report (@RussellStReport) July 25, 2024
Let’s break this down into a few key frames.
Frame 1: Pre-snap read
The first frame is, naturally, reading the play pre-snap. Jackson (highlighted in yellow) lines up on the far side of the field. The 49ers have three wideouts and a tight end in formation, so it’s likely a pass. In the video, you can see Eddie glance around a bit as he trots back, taking in the play. But, as we get closer to the snap, his eyes are locked on – and I mean locked on – quarterback Trey Lance, who is glancing to the far side. That could be a tell, something that’s common with younger and less experienced QBs.
Frame 2: Diagnosis
After the ball is snapped, Jackson’s eyes remain glued (red dashed line) to Lance, who’s absolutely staring down (yellow dashed line) his target, the Z receiver. You can see Eddie stopping his momentum here, because he knows exactly what Lance is going to do. Just look at Jackson’s feet. He plants his left foot in the ground as he notices the wide receiver break free in his peripheral vision and immediately sprints that direction.
This is a great example of play recognition right here, and it speaks to Jackson’s football IQ. He knows that younger quarterbacks are going to be easier to read, especially when they don’t seem to progress through their reads and just look at the primary target. The former Bear quickly adjusts to the on-field events and snaps from where we assume (though can’t know for sure) where was technically supposed to be patrolling (the middle of the field) and begins to move towards the Z, who’s breaking free on a slant route.
Frame 3: Reaction
Not only is Jackson able to diagnose the play quickly, but he’s able to use his athleticism to go make a play on the football. In an instant, he completely changes direction and cuts towards the far side of the field at just the perfect angle to undercut the route. He makes an impressive diving interception – in the rain, no less – and gets up to run the ball 20 yards downfield.
Play #2: INT at NYG
To me, this one was even more impressive. First, check out the video of the whole thing, and then we’ll break it down.
Another of Eddie Jackson's impressive 2022 interceptions, this one vs. NYG pic.twitter.com/0q2DpED4Ik
— Russell St. Report (@RussellStReport) July 25, 2024
Frame 1: Pre-snap read
This time, Jackson’s playing as the lone deep safety, creeping back to midfield before the snap. Once again, his eyes are locked onto the quarterback; this time, it’s Tyrod Taylor. As Ravens fans know, Taylor has been around the block a few times since being drafted by Baltimore all those years ago. He’s a true veteran, and he’s not going to make it easy for Jackson like Lance did.
The Giants are showing run here with seven men on the line of scrimmage, Taylor under center, and Saquon Barkley in the backfield. The X and Z wideouts are spread outside the numbers facing little in terms of coverage; Chicago went with a one-safety look and seem to be looking to stop the run. However, it looks as if New York had everyone fooled… everyone except Jackson, at least.
Frame 2: Diagnosis
Rather than rushing up to the line, Jackson continues to drop back as the X and Z sprint deep downfield. Look at his eyes and feet; his vision is unbelievable here. Even though Taylor is staring straight down the middle of the field, Eddie is still able to get a read on where he’s going with the football. Look at Taylor’s lower body, which is circled in blue. Notice how his lower half is angled towards the right side of the field, which tells Jackson that he’s setting up to throw to his left. Most NFL quarterbacks can’t shift their body momentum too quickly the other way (Lamar Jackson being the exception; see the 75-yard bomb to Flowers against Miami), so Jackson commits and begins running right.
This is a great example of a veteran player reading not just the quarterback’s eyes but his lower body as well. Jackson quickly understood the play and Taylor’s intent and was quick to take advantage of that.
Frame 3: Range
Not only does this play highlight Jackson’s football acumen, but it also puts his impressive range on full display. He sprinted 25 yards to catch up with this throw, which might’ve been a touchdown if not for his presence. Eddie timed it perfectly and was able to haul in the interception with a beautiful over-the-shoulder grab. Obviously, every NFL player has impressive athleticism, but this is just eye-popping.
If the Ravens are able to get even a fraction of 2022 Eddie Jackson in 2024, this will be a signing well worth the money. He’s a savvy veteran and clearly knows how to read offenses, a bit more than you get with a typical #3 safety. Even in his second day of camp, he was able to put these talents on full display by picking off an errant throw and taking all the way to the house.
This guy hasn’t even had time to learn the playbook yet.
The more I learn about Jackson, the more excited I get about the Ravens’ secondary in 2024. This unit will be nothing short of scary, and he’s a big reason why. There’s a legitimate No Fly Zone developing in Baltimore, and that spells trouble for opposing offenses.
On Monday, Eddie called his fit with the team “perfect.”
I couldn’t agree more.
