Jacksonville Jaguars believe CJ Henderson is only going to get better
Jacksonville Jaguars DC Todd Wash supports C.J.Henderson.
Nobody expected rookie C.J. Henderson to become a shutdown cornerback right out of the gate. On the other hand, the Jacksonville Jaguars would surely like him to perform better than he has in his rookie year.
Although the early returns haven’t been encouraging, the team’s brass isn’t ready to give up on him. In fact, they think he’s getting better and are aware he’s going through a learning curve. Defensive coordinator Todd Wash said in a recent sitdown with the local media that he believes ‘he’s only going to get better as he keeps growing within game time’.
Against the Houston Texans in Week 9, Henderson gave up a 73-yard touchdown reception and was flagged for a pass interference penalty. While those mistakes weren’t the reason why the Jaguars lost the game 27-25, they surely played a factor.
It’s too early for the Jacksonville Jaguars to give up on CJ Henderson.
Getting your name call in the first round of the draft comes with high expectations. This was no different for Henderson, whom the ‘Jags’ took with the ninth overall pick in 2020’s players’ selection process.
The team had no playmakers at the cornerback position after they traded Jalen Ramsey in the middle of the 2019 season, so it made sense for them to use one of the two first-round picks they had in 2020 to address the need in the players’ selection process.
The Jaguars had plenty of choices but they settle on Henderson. Although the team’s track record at selecting difference-makers in the first round has been spotty, it’s too early to give up on the rookie cornerback. He struggled the last two weeks but has been solid at times this season.
Wash was upfront about Henderson’s miscues and he wasn’t trying to sugarcoat things. However, he knows one game doesn’t define a player’s career and while it’s not great to see the cornerback, it’s not the end of the world either.
Next. Jaguars LB Myles Jack deserves more recognition. dark
Henderson will have a shot at redemption against the Green Bay Packers in Week 10, and if he performs well and can make a few plays, nobody will be talking about his recent struggles.