Cyrus Jones Losing Grip for 2017
The good news about CB Cyrus Jones after his rookie season was he was very disappointed with the results. He said it himself in an interview with Childs Walker of the Baltimore Sun.
About his rookie year, Jones said, “I just didn't have it. ... What I did this year was not me. I don't care how anybody tries to sugarcoat it. Yes, I was a rookie. But I feel I should always be one of the best players on the field, no matter where I am."
Jones is on a mission to become the player he believes he should be. To get there Jones cancelled his vacation with his parents to prepare for the upcoming season. Jones also gave up number 24 for veteran CB Stephon Gilmore. Jones now wears 41.
New year, new number, new player. Jones hopes, at least.
Expectations for the former Alabama star were reasonable, but Jones failed to meet those. Unable to secure a consistent role in the secondary, Jones was eventually benched in five of the final six games, including Super Bowl LI. It was a combination of his play as a corner and his special teams failures.
Jones’ goes by Clamp Clampington on Twitter. So it was very ironic that Jones couldn’t hold on to the football during punt and kickoff returns. In his final year with Alabama, Jones averaged 12.6 yards per punt return and returned four for touchdowns.
But in the NFL, Mr. Clampington was his own worst enemy. Jones fumbled five times, sometimes sabotaging big returns. One of the worst was against the Seattle Seahawks, fumbling the ball following a 43-yard kickoff return.
Jones’ talent as a returner is apparent. The Patriots want an explosive returner but Jones has to be dependable and improve his decision making (knowing when to return kickoffs from the end zone).
Being a good cornerback would help Jones, but the competition is so tough this year that becoming a reliable returner might be the difference for Jones remaining with the team.
One preseason game in and the new Cyrus Jones looks worse than the old Cyrus Jones. According to the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe, Jaguars receivers caught three-of-four passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns. To be fair, safety Jordan Richards may be partially responsible for the 42-yard score tacked on Jones.
Coverage wasn’t Jones’ only problem. His decision-making returning kickoffs was terrible, as he should had taken a knee a couple of times instead of running the ball out.
Official cuts are not due until September 2, but Jones avoided an early dismissal, as rookie free agent DB Dwyane Thomas has already been released. Being a 2016 second round pick on a win-now team might not protect Jones from the axe.
Cornerbacks need a short memory to move on from the next play, the next game. This is necessary for Jones heading into preseason week two. But Jones needs to remember what made him a high pick in the first place and become that player again.
What I’ll be looking for:
Jacoby Brissett
Jimmy Garoppollo proved he has game last week. It should be Brissett’s chance to make his case as the third quarterback. He was OK, but has room to be better. He needs to solve his Rohan Davey complex (throwing passes high at receivers instead of at the numbers).
On the Lines
Last week’s pass rush didn’t make Jacksonville’s quarterbacks sweat. Now the D-line might be without both draft picks (Derek Rivers, Deatrich Wise). Whether or not any starters get any run, better pressure needs to be applied. The O-line was OK. How good will they be against a talented Houston defense?
Back-to-Backs
A fumble took away from RB D.J. Foster’s solid night. If he plays well again he could put some distance between himself and LeShun Daniels for a practice squad spot. Daniels had a couple of decent moments, but needs to show more as a runner.
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