So far, the confidence boost is showing in Jackson’s play. He’s recorded an interception in each of the last two games. In Tampa Bay, that pick came off Tom Brady early in the second quarter and kept Carolina in the game. In Week 3, the interception and 66-yard return allowed the Panthers to extend their lead over the Chargers.

“Donte just loves to compete,” Rhule said. “He goes out there and plays hard and tries to get better and tries to play and make plays for his teammates.”

Cornerbacks coach Evan Cooper has seen Jackson make significant progress from training camp through Week 4.

“He’s been working hard to try to become the best that he can be,” Cooper said. “He’s taken the little technical things and put them into action and tried really hard to fix some of his flaws.”