FOXBORO — J.C. Jackson told the world four months ago. It's only now that the NFL is learning.
"That's what Tua do," Jackson said after the Pats' 17-16 season-opening loss to Miami. "If he doesn't have his first read, he's just gonna throw the ball up."
Jackson's commentary followed a question about Tagovailoa's lone interception that night, a desperate, ill-advised heave in the fourth quarter. The pick allowed the Patriots to stage a potential game-winning drive with 8:07 remaining, which Damien Harris later killed with a fumble.
But no matter. The Pats overcame that loss — and three more over the next five weeks — to clinch a playoff berth last weekend at 10-6.