Wynn's injury gives running back job as Rodgers' protector
[img_r]http://media.jsonline.com/images/199*160/mjs-packers16-22-of-hoffman.jpg-packers16.jpg[/img_r]On those occasions when Green Bay Packers running back Brandon Jackson would get run over during training camp pass-rushing drills, there would be snickers from those who were wondering what a 5-foot-10, 210-pounder was doing trying to block the likes of Nick Barnett and Desmond Bishop.
Nobody is laughing now, least of all Dallas defensive end Anthony Spencer, who had the misfortune of getting chip-blocked all the way to the seat of his pants during the Packers' 17-7 victory at Lambeau Field Sunday.
"That was probably one of the best chips I've seen in a long time - a long time," running backs coach Edgar Bennett said. "It was picture perfect. Spencer is a good player, a really good player. Brandon was able to take him off his feet. De-cleat him.
"We've had some good chips, but I'm talking about de-cleating a guy, putting him down.
"I'm serious, it was impressive."
It isn't that one block that earned Jackson the role of quarterback Aaron Rodgers' personal protector on third downs, but rather a series of them he has made over the course of this season that has earned him the responsibility.
For a team that has allowed an NFL-high 41 sacks, it hardly seems relevant to be talking about one of the members of the pass protection team, but when you consider where the Packers might be without Jackson's knack for picking up linebackers and knocking defensive ends off balance, you understand the significance.
Against the Cowboys on Sunday, Jackson was perfect in his blitz pick-ups, stuffing veteran linebacker Keith Brooking four times on rushes up the middle.
One came on the 17-yard pass Rodgers made to tight end Donald Lee on third and 13 during the Packers' crucial 80-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter. The other came one series later when Rodgers hit tight end Spencer Havner for a 2-yard touchdown on third and goal.
Miss those blocks and Rodgers probably gets sacked.
"I feel like it's big because that determines whether it's a first down or a turnover, and that can change the whole momentum of the game," Jackson said of his blocking. "When I'm out there, I'm hyped on third down. It's a passion. You have to block with a passion. Just seeing the quarterback throw the ball and not get hit, completing a first down, I feel like I've done my job."
It is not every back's dream to be commissioned to pick off blitzing linebackers, and it certainly isn't Jackson's. But it is the job that is available for the 2007 second-round pick, whose injury-filled start to his career has left him in this spot.
In fact, were it not for a season-ending knee injury to running back DeShawn Wynn, the unit's best pass blocker, Jackson might still be fighting for playing time. Stuck behind starter Ryan Grant and recent pickup Ahman Green, Jackson has poured his soul into a job some view as important as any on the football field.
"He's taken it to another level," fullback John Kuhn said. "It's one of those things where you really have to concentrate, take your time and do the film study. I think he's got the hang of that this year."
The fact Jackson has been able to do it so well since taking over for Wynn against Detroit on Oct. 18 is as much a testament to Bennett's coaching as it is to Jackson's commitment. Those hot, summer days when Jackson was taking his lumps aren't a distant memory, so it is an accomplishment that in five games, he has not allowed a single sack.
"He did (struggle), he did," Bennett recalled. "He had a couple of blocks that weren't up to our standards or his standards. His standards are really high. He really takes pride in it. But he's playing with the passion and energy and enthusiasm. He brings that.
"It's one of those situations where that's his current role. Can he do more? Certainly. He can play a normal down and distance. He's an every-down back, but this is his role and he takes pride in it."
Since entering the NFL, Jackson has put on about 10 pounds, which goes a long way in blocking defenders such as the 241-pound Brooking. At 5-10, 218, he's just tall enough and strong enough not to be considered a scat back.
His power is in his upper legs and hips, and he uses his good balance and heavy base to square up on defenders and shock them with a two-hand punch. There are more than a few ways to screw up that block, Bennett said, like keeping your eyes down or not locking your elbows to your side or setting too far away from the rusher.
The results are the comedy of errors that Jackson experienced in his first two training camps. You either end up on your butt or blocking air as the defender runs past.
"It was a challenge with my technique and where the blitz was coming from," Jackson said. "Now, it's my third year, it's studying film and understanding, taking coaching.
"And it's the size of your heart."
The Packers will find out exactly how big his heart is this weekend when the San Francisco 49ers and their fast-blitzing linebackers come to Lambeau. The first priority on the checklist is Pro Bowl middle linebacker Patrick Willis, who at 6-1, 240, might be the closest thing to the complete package since his coach, Mike Singletary, played the game.
There's no getting around the matchup. If the 49ers blitz Rodgers, they'll probably try to get Willis or veteran Takeo Spikes one-on-one with Jackson, figuring he won't be able to handle their power.
Bennett has no doubt Jackson is up for the challenge, nor do his teammates.
Jackson sure can't account for how the offensive line will play but he can assure that there will be at least one guy between Rodgers and a head-hunting linebacker.