Jones, in turn, said he leans on teammates to help him go over the playbook, and he makes it a priority to receive physical treatment daily. There is also a premium placed on communication with coaches and Jones during games, because there is a process of Jones needing to get the proper adjustments. So that’s kind of our job as coaches - just maximizing the number of times he can touch the football.”Ĭoaches and teammates credit Jones’ intelligence and preparation for being able to handle the triple-threat role.

“He has a lot on his plate, but he’s making plays in all three phases, which is unique - especially for a rookie,” special teams coordinator Cam Achord said of Jones. But the difference with them is that their “offensive” snaps were in kneel-down situations as a 'just in case' safety net. Last year, only Buffalo Bills safety Micah Hyde did it, and in 2020, Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick did. He joins Seattle Seahawks linebacker/fullback Nick Bellore as the only two players in the NFL to have logged 10-plus snaps each on defense, offense and special teams this season. In all, Jones has played 166 defensive snaps, 10 offensive snaps and 125 special teams snaps. It was Deion Sanders in 1992 not bad company to keep. Since 1970, there is only one other player who has returned a punt or kickoff for a touchdown, caught a touchdown pass, and also registered an interception in the same season. And Jones added an interception last week against the Cardinals to go along with one catch for 12 yards.

1 - the first time he was utilized on offense - wasn’t far behind. His 48-yard catch-and-run touchdown against the Bills on Dec. 20 was the team’s most electric play of the season. Jones’ 86-yard punt return for a touchdown with five seconds remaining to beat the Jets on Nov. Every time he’s on the field, it’s high alert in practice.” The guys on defense are always cheering for him a little bit extra when he’s out there, busting his chops a little bit more in practice. He’s talented and he’s going to help us win. “When Jack went down, I’m kind of like, ‘Hey guys, this is my starting corner!’” Pellegrino said with a smile. He also chipped in a season-high eight offensive snaps and 11 on special teams.Ĭornerbacks coach Mike Pellegrino relayed a lighthearted story from the sideline that night as the offensive staff called on the 5-foot-8, 175-pound Jones for his most expanded role of the season. Jones played 67 defensive snaps in Monday’s win over the Cardinals, thrust into an unexpected top role after fellow rookie cornerback Jack Jones was knocked out of the game in the first quarter with a knee injury. They tell me the things I need to know,” Jones told ESPN this week at the University of Arizona, where the team practiced in preparation for Sunday’s game at the Las Vegas Raiders (4:05 p.m. “The main thing is that we meet at different times. How Jones is preparing for it, and how the coaching staff is dividing Jones’ workload, is an evolving and intriguing development behind the scenes. LAS VEGAS – Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:ġ. Marcus Jones emerges: The rookie's emerging triple-threat role - in which he is making game-altering plays at wide receiver, cornerback and returning kickoffs and punts - puts him in a class by himself in the NFL this season. Patriots rookie Marcus Jones joins Deion Sanders in rare triple-threat feat You have reached a degraded version of because you're using an unsupported version of Internet Explorer.įor a complete experience, please upgrade or use a supported browser

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