D'Qwell Jackson still has something to play for besides pride and trying to finish the season strong: he's been leading the league in tackles most of the season and is determined to keep it that way.
"To be leading the league for so long, I definitely want to finish the season like that," he said. "I know we're not going to the playoffs this year, but it just gives me some extra motivation, some extra incentive to go out there and play."
According to gameday statistics, Jackson leads the NFL with a career-high 136 tackles. He's followed by Carolina's Jon Beason (122), San Francisco's Patrick Willis (121), Oakland's Kirk Morrison (120) and Washington's London Fletcher (118). According to the Browns coaches' film review, Jackson has 162 tackles this season, including 97 solo.
"With only two games left, it's definitely something I want to finish off," he said.
Jackson's superb game in Tennessee two weeks ago helped him maintain a comfortable lead heading into the final two games. He had 15 tackles according to the gameday stats, and 20 after the coaches' review. He also had a career-high two interceptions, and almost had a third.
"That was probably my best statistical game so far, but I need to be able to do that earlier in the season and try to build off of it," he said. "This year I made a push late and was able to get alternate for the Pro Bowl, so that's definitely something to work toward next year."
Teammates such as Shaun Rogers felt Jackson deserved to be more than an alternate.
"I feel he had a Pro Bowl-caliber season with leading the league in tackles, especially due to the circumstances surrounding the Browns right now," said Rogers. "It's most definitely a positive and a beacon of light that shines from our defense. I think he's a wonderful guy, a good person first and foremost, but also a heck of an athlete. I think he did a wonderful job."
Jackson was just grateful to be recognized at all.
"I'd love to be a starter or reserve, but a lot of guys can't even say they were alternates," he said. "It's always good to be appreciated and rewarded for the season you're having."
Jackson attributed his productiveness, in part, to the Pro Bowl season Rogers is having in front of him.
"When you put a guy like that on the team, it instantly makes guys better because he draws a lot of attention," said Jackson. "It opens things up for other guys on the field, including myself. Maybe after this year, I'll be able to open up some things for other guys."
- Mary Kay Cabot
