Horseshoe Heroes
FanSided

Edwin ‘Pound Cake’ Jackson Has Earned More Playing Time at Inside Linebacker

By Luke Schultheis

Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson (53) looks on from the sideline in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson (53) looks on from the sideline in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Among the Indianapolis Colts unsung heroes of Sunday’s 34-26 win against the Tennessee Titans is backup inside linebacker Edwin ‘Pound Cake’ Jackson, who stepped up late.

Originally signed to the Colts practice squad late last season, the 1st-year inside linebacker has developed into an intriguing physical specimen at inside linebacker for the defense with his exceptional ability to ‘run-and-hit’.

Oct 9, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts line backer Edwin Edwin Jackson (53) celebrates a late fourth quarter fumble recovery from the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts line backer Edwin Edwin Jackson (53) celebrates a late fourth quarter fumble recovery from the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /

Starter Josh McNary made a number of mistakes on Sunday, including a foolish unnecessary roughness penalty that negated a Patrick Robinson interception with 2:06 left in the 3rd quarter. The bonehead play extended the drive for an eventual Titans touchdown–where McNary was eventually soundly beat by tight end Delanie Walker in coverage.

It certainly wasn’t a good defensive series for McNary, who was making his 3rd start at inside linebacker for the Colts defense this season.

However, it’s no secret that the Colts inside linebackers as a whole have struggled all season.

The team has already released its opening game starter Sio Moore after 4 games.

Whether it be Moore, McNary, or even rookie 4th round pick Antonio Morrison, the defense hasn’t been able to find a consistently productive starter next to veteran D’Qwell Jackson.

That is, until maybe now.

Insert the other, younger Jackson at inside linebacker:

With McNary making too many mistakes, the Colts turned to the 6’0″, 230 pound, ‘Pound Cake’ late in the game. The young inside linebacker didn’t disappoint, delivering two punishing tackles in the game’s closing minutes–including a stop on a pivotal 2nd down:

"“No, and Edwin (Jackson) goes in there and makes a couple of plays…,” responded head coach Chuck Pagano after the game on his notable defensive players who stepped up late."

Jackson simply made plays, and a fresh face starting certainly couldn’t hurt all things considered.

The Colts have yet to find an answer at inside linebacker, and the younger Jackson is at least worth a shot. He could provide much needed youth, speed, and physicality to a position that has so far been sorely lacking such play this season–at least if late in Sunday’s game was any clear indication.

Home/Colts News