A former Pittsburgh Steelers AFC North rival, Adam “Pacman” Jones gave former Cincinnati Bengals teammate and Steelers deadline acquisition, William Jackson III a grilling for his performance in the Washington Commanders' 25-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on October 2 in Week 4.
Lmao @WilliamJackson3 are you in there lol they cook that ass today !!! pic.twitter.com/8t0ZBIkfW0
— ADAm Pacman Jones (@REALPACMAN24) October 2, 2022
The former Bengals first-rounder, the 24th overall pick in 2016, had a rough night allowing five catches for 62 yards and a score. He also committed three penalties costing his team 70 yards and an interception.
“He hasn’t played good. He was good because he had somebody to really, I'll tell you this," Jones said. "To read, like some people are just smart. He's one of those guys that you have to give 'em the 'Hooked on Phonics' form to get it. He needs someone right there telling him look you’re doing this wrong. You’ve got outside leverage when you need inside leverage. You’re pressing bad with your feet,” Jones told 106.7 the Fan, in Washington.
The 2014 All-Pro defensive back with the Bengals said he took Jackson under his wing when he joined the team in 2017. As an older player he took it upon himself to give the young man out of the University of Houston some extra guidance and reps in practice he told Grant and Danny.
"It is what it is," he said. "Will has a chance to be good, but he's got to play better. That's just period, point blank. I don't have no personal beef with him."
The Steelers are betting on a player they feel they know really well having seen him twice a year from 2017-2020 when he was a Bengal and being a player, they coveted in the draft process.
Steelers' newest cornerback William Jackson seen here defending with the Cincinnati Bengals. Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
The 30-year-old former Commander, who grabbed a career-high two picks last season becomes the oldest member of the secondary for Pittsburgh. So, he won't have any veteran wisdom in his position like he did when he came into the league five years ago.
Orchestrating a Move to the Steelers
The Texas native gave a clear indication he wanted out of the nation’s capital and even left money on the table to accomplish his escape. Jackson who had signed a three-year $40.5 million deal last year has elected to give up his per-game roster bonuses which amount to $44,000 per game. He will continue to make his $2.77 million base salary.
It’s no secret the fit for Jackson wasn’t right in the Capital of America, but maybe things can go better in Steel Town. He will be reunited with his first NFL defensive coordinator, Teryl Austin who now patrols the sideline running the defense for Pittsburgh.
Head coach Mike Tomlin and the rest of the defensive staff will be tasked with trying to put Jackson in the best places to succeed on a pass defense that can use all the help they can get. Currently, only the Atlanta Falcons have allowed more yards against in the passing game than Pittsburgh.
At best, Pittsburgh is acquiring a guy they feel they can get the most out of who they were able to buy extremely low on. At worst, he’s an extra body to add to a cornerback room that’s had its’ depth tested and struggled with injuries.
So, Steeler Nation, how do you feel about the addition of Jackson? Do you think Jones' assessment was fair? What do you want to see from the former Bengal? As always let us know what you're thinking either in the comment section below or on our social media feeds.
#SteelerNation
