Denver Broncos: Kareem Jackson is enforcer of the defense
Every defense needs an enforcer or a tone-setter and the Denver Broncos have that in safety Kareem Jackson. He displayed those traits in a big way.
The Denver Broncos made it a priority to bolster their secondary in the off-season by signing Kareem Jackson to a three-year deal. At 31-years of age, Jackson’s signing was originally scrutinized due to wanting to go younger in the secondary. He has clearly shut up those doubters and became a heartbeat of the defense.
In any sport, teams need that player that can set the tone for the remainder of the game. NHL has defense men, baseball has that rugged player willing to take one for the team, the NBA is typically a lockdown defender that imposes his will on an offense and NFL is normally safety. Jackson creates the identity of the defense to play with a reckless abandon. More importantly, showing that tackling is a true non-negotiable trait for a defense.
Denver hired Vic Fangio as head coach and Fangio said tackling is a non-negotiable trait.
Jackson is a player that has this in spades. He is a well-regarded tackler and the intelligence of a computer. This mixture with a fit in the scheme is a tremendous success for the Broncos long term. In a season needing more victories, Jackson is a type of player that others can lean on for guidance.
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His play recognition and quick-strike ability stand out to simply make key stops in critical moments of a game. Jackson’s play against the Los Angeles Chargers just before the half is nothing short of jaw-dropping.
He ran close to 20+ MPH to reach Austin Ekeler before crossing the goal line. That was not the only thing that happened on the play. Jackson knocked Ekeler so hard the ball slipped out of the hands and went into the end zone causing a touchback.
This was a game-changer and a possible season saver if the Denver Broncos can string together a winning streak. Jackson’s presence on the defense cannot be overlooked at this point in the season. He himself is clearly shutting up those who doubted the signing originally.