PITTSBURGH — Many were skeptical when the Pittsburgh Steelers traded wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers for cornerback Donte Jackson this offseason. However, Jackson remained confident in himself and the Steelers are now reaping the benefits.
Through 13 weeks, Jackson has a career-high and AFC-leading five interceptions. It may be surprising to some, but Jackson always expected to have this type of production when he came to Pittsburgh.
“100 percent,” Jackson said. “I always knew what type of player I was. Just always grateful for this opportunity. I worked on myself a lot this offseason, so I expected to come here and ball out. Just grateful that I am doing that and just going to keep on stacking. It’s not about me. It’s about the unit.”
The Steelers’ trade for Jackson has aged quite well thus far. In October, the Panthers traded Johnson to the Baltimore Ravens, who have since suspended him for conduct detrimental to the team.
Pittsburgh now has two capable corners on the outside and an offense that is humming even without Johnson.
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin didn’t know what to expect from Jackson when the team acquired him in March, but he knew he was capable of producing the way he has.
“I can’t say we expected the production because it hasn’t been there, but we knew he had the ability to produce for us and produce in the ways he has,” Austin said. “When he was coming out, he was a ball guy. He could run. He had the coverage ability. So it’s just coming together for him, and it’s good for him and it’s good for us. We just got to continue to keep that going.”
The Steelers will need Jackson to stay hot with a rematch with the Browns this week. Cleveland got the best of Pittsburgh in their first meeting of the season two weeks ago and a big reason why was quarterback Jameis Winston.
The former No. 1 overall pick has been slinging the football since taking over as the Browns starter and he’s coming off a 497-yard and four-touchdown performance.
“Jameis has been making plays in this league for a long time, so you just definitely got to be locked in as a unit,” Jackson said. “He can make every throw. Crazy arm talent, man. You just got to be detailed.”
Winston has quickly developed a special connection with wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. On Monday night, the two connected nine times for 235 yards and a touchdown.
It remains to be seen how exactly the Steelers will deploy Jackson and fellow cornerback Joey Porter Jr., but it’s likely Jackson will line up across from Jeudy at some point this Sunday.
Jackson knows he must be at his best when that happens.
“Jeudy’s a great player, man. Great receiver in this league. Very talented guy, man. One of the best route runners you’ll see on a week-to-week basis,” Jackson said. “He’s playing with more and more confidence week in and week out. Just got to be very, very locked in when you’re going against a guy like that.”
