The New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills squaring off on Saturday is a matchup between fierce division rivals. But there is also an individual matchup worth keeping an eye on between two Pro Bowlers: New England cornerback J.C. Jackson and Buffalo wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
In a Week 16 loss, Diggs got the best of Jackson, helping the Bills take down the Patriots in a game that got Buffalo the lead in the AFC North, which they would retain. Diggs scored a touchdown and racked up 85 yards and seven catches.
Jackson acknowledged Diggs' skills but also said that he is not afraid of the challenge that containing the Bills offense presents. Per NESN's Zack Cox:
“The guy knows how to get open,” he said Thursday. “He’s got strong hands. He’s got pretty great routes. He’s not easy to defend on an island by yourself.”
Adrian Phillps, one of Jackson's partners on the New England defense, explained that Jackson is looking forward to facing Diggs, one of the NFL's best receivers.
“This is exactly what he wants,” Phillips said Thursday in a video conference. “He wouldn’t have it any other way. Whoever the top receiver in the league is, he wants to guard that person. When he has a chance to go out there and go against Diggs, he’s locked in. He don’t want it any other way.”
The matchup between Jackson and Diggs will have a huge impact on the overall game. When the Patriots and Bills kick off in Buffalo, keep an eye on the outside when the Bills are on offense.
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