Former Jaguars WR Jones finishes drug program in Arkansas

[joseephuss]

I assume you're being facetious. There's nothing wrong with Matt Jones' talents. It's the rest of the package.

I'd prefer him over Cinco whatever his current name is. But I don't think Jones is the type of teammate the Cowboys are actively seeking. Now, would they seek him in an urgent situation. Sure. Anyone looking to go to a SB will plug a hole. Is he the first player on their call list in the event of an urgency/emergency. Don't know. Maybe. Maybe not. Is he still suspended?? That's how interested I am in him. I don't know or care right now.

I do question Jones' talents. The guy has not developed into a good receiver. I don't want 85 in Dallas, either.

As opposed to all of those other receivers who have excelled in Jacksonville under the current coaching regime?

Those 65 catches sure wouldn't be any sort of upgrade over Hurd's 24 career catches, or Austin's 18 or Stanback's 3.

He's not the white Randy Moss like Chris Mortensen thought he'd be, but he's more proven than the perpetually damaged goods we've got on the current roster.

Jones was the #1 or #2 receiving option for the Jags last year. Dallas had Witten, TO, Roy and Crayton. You can even add in Barber. How many catches was Austin, Hurd or Stanback supposed to have last season? There are only so many passes to go around. Austin took great advantage of the few opportunities he saw.

 

[Stash]

I do question Jones' talents. The guy has not developed into a good receiver. I don't want 85 in Dallas, either.

I'd say that having 65 catches in 12 games contradicts that statement, at least to some degree. If he 'has not developed into a good receiver', Dallas' 3,4, and 5 receiver are terrible.

Jones was the #1 or #2 receiving option for the Jags last year. Dallas had Witten, TO, Roy and Crayton. You can even add in Barber. How many catches was Austin, Hurd or Stanback supposed to have last season? There are only so many passes to go around. Austin took great advantage of the few opportunities he saw.

And Jones was capable of being that #1 option as well. Matt Jones had better numbers than any receiver the Cowboys currently have.

Austin made some great plays, no doubt, when he was healthy enough to actually play anyway.

My question isn't so much about Austin's ability, but rather his ability to stay healthy, contribute regularly, and fulfill his potential.

Add his situation to those of Hurd and Stanback and that's just too many question marks for me, especially when the team has options.

 

[speedkilz88]

I do question Jones' talents. The guy has not developed into a good receiver. I don't want 85 in Dallas, either.



Jones was the #1 or #2 receiving option for the Jags last year. Dallas had Witten, TO, Roy and Crayton. You can even add in Barber. How many catches was Austin, Hurd or Stanback supposed to have last season? There are only so many passes to go around. Austin took great advantage of the few opportunities he saw.

I question your ability to recognize a good receiver.

 

[Doomsday101]

I'd say that having 65 catches in 12 games contradicts that statement, at least to some degree. If he 'has not developed into a good receiver', Dallas' 3,4, and 5 receiver are terrible.



And Jones was capable of being that #1 option as well. Matt Jones had better numbers than any receiver the Cowboys currently have.

Austin made some great plays, no doubt, when he was healthy enough to actually play anyway.

My question isn't so much about Austin's ability, but rather his ability to stay healthy, contribute regularly, and fulfill his potential.

Add his situation to those of Hurd and Stanback and that's just too many question marks for me, especially when the team has options.

Hell if Dallas is going to get a problem player why not Burress? Personally I don't want to see Dallas take a step back in cleaning house but if I'm going to bring in a problem player why not go for one that has real talent

 

[Stash]

Hell if Dallas is going to get a problem player why not Burress? Personally I don't want to see Dallas take a step back in cleaning house but if I'm going to bring in a problem player why not go for one that has real talent

I guess I have differing opinions regarding 'problem players' and 'cleaning house'.

I'd consider Burress' history of 'problems' much more extensive than Jones', not to mention the fact that Jones has already paid for his, Burress soon will.

I'd also question exactly what the Cowboys 'cleaing house' was all about. If it was about off-field issues, why were Owens, Ellis, and Roy Williams sent packing?

If it was about off-field issues, why was Gerald Sensabaugh signed?

Jones screwed up once - badly - but he's paid for it and is looking for a second chance. But I don't consider him the bad guy that I do guys like Plaxico Burress or Pacman Jones.

But that's just me.

 

[Doomsday101]

I guess I have differing opinions regarding 'problem players' and 'cleaning house'.

I'd consider Burress' history of 'problems' much more extensive than Jones', not to mention the fact that Jones has already paid for his, Burress soon will.

I'd also question exactly what the Cowboys 'cleaing house' was all about. If it was about off-field issues, why were Owens, Ellis, and Roy Williams sent packing?

If it was about off-field issues, why was Gerald Sensabaugh signed?

Jones screwed up once - badly - but he's paid for it and is looking for a second chance. But I don't consider him the bad guy that I do guys like Plaxico Burress or Pacman Jones.

But that's just me.

I think the cleaning of house had to do with on and off the field issue and falling production. As for Sensabaugh his was traffic violations and possesion of a fire arm. Not excusing him if you like driving fast you would be smart not to carry a weapon. Jones has had issues on and off the field and maybe he has changed his way or not I don't know but I do know this team does not need this crap any more enough is enough. We do have talent on this team who can win and do so without Jones in the lineup

 

[Stash]

I think the cleaning of house had to do with on and off the field issue and falling production. As for Sensabaugh his was traffic violations and possesion of a fire arm. Not excusing him if you like driving fast you would be smart not to carry a weapon.

I think the whole 'house cleaning' is very ambiguous and had more to do with locker room behavior than it did off-field behavior. And I was using Sensabaugh as an example that it's not a consistant process across the board.

Jones has had issues on and off the field and maybe he has changed his way or not I don't know but I do know this team does not need this crap any more enough is enough. We do have talent on this team who can win and do so without Jones in the lineup

Jones did have a reputation as a guy who didn't take the game seriously enough and lacked motivation. But judging by last season, his arrest was in fact a wake-up call for him that if he continued the way he was going, he wouldn't have a career at all. He responded by having the best season of his career.

I agree that this team has the talent to win, provided that talent can stay healthy. To this point, Austin, Hurd, and Stanback have shown that they cannot do that. And to a degree Roy Williams has as well. So my point is that I would prefer signing Jones (or another available free agent) as a form of insurance against that injury history.

 

[speedkilz88]

Hell if Dallas is going to get a problem player why not Burress? Personally I don't want to see Dallas take a step back in cleaning house but if I'm going to bring in a problem player why not go for one that has real talent

Do you think they could sign Plax to a minimum deal?

 

[Stash]

Do you think they could sign Plax to a minimum deal?

Heck, do you honestly think that Burress will even play this season?

 

[Doomsday101]

I think the whole 'house cleaning' is very ambiguous and had more to do with locker room behavior than it did off-field behavior. And I was using Sensabaugh as an example that it's not a consistant process across the board.



Jones did have a reputation as a guy who didn't take the game seriously enough and lacked motivation. But judging by last season, his arrest was in fact a wake-up call for him that if he continued the way he was going, he wouldn't have a career at all. He responded by having the best season of his career.

I agree that this team has the talent to win, provided that talent can stay healthy. To this point, Austin, Hurd, and Stanback have shown that they cannot do that. And to a degree Roy Williams has as well. So my point is that I would prefer signing Jones (or another available free agent) as a form of insurance against that injury history.

Given the fact that Jacksonville is not deep at WR at all and they have cut him loose is enough for me to remain cautious about getting him. I just do not think the guy is worth taking a chance on and currently others are not knocking down his door either. I guess in the end I’m tired of dealing with players who are 1 mis-step of missing games or looking for another chance. Dallas can’t afford to continue being the Probation office of the NFL.

 

[speedkilz88]

Heck, do you honestly think that Burress will even play this season?

That too, but if he can play the best contract they could get him for imo would be 6-7 million without any signing bonus. But once he plays game one it becomes guaranteed. That just doesn't work for a team trying to sign DeMarcus Ware to a long term contract. Jones on the other hand I think will take the vet minimum.

 

[juck]

As will you Bobby, as soon as one of "Jerry's Angels" breaks a nail and goes on the shelf - again.

No doubt.Softest WR corps in the NFL.

 

[Stash]

Given the fact that Jacksonville is not deep at WR at all and they have cut him loose is enough for me to remain cautious about getting him. I just do not think the guy is worth taking a chance on and currently others are not knocking down his door either. I guess in the end I’m tired of dealing with players who are 1 mis-step of missing games or looking for another chance. Dallas can’t afford to continue being the Probation office of the NFL.

And I certainly see your point.

Taking chances on guys like Tank Johnson and Pacman Jones certainly didn't pay off.

As a fan, I certainly hope that the current approach does pay off, but given the number of questions at receiver, my head tells me some insurance would be prudent.

 

[dadymat]

Dadymat is no lawyer but he did play one in his drum circle's spring play.

and i did stay in a Holiday Inn last night....

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

I'd rather have Owens back. We don't need drug abusing caricatures on this team.

The guy got busted for doing blow once. Perhaps youve been polly purebred your whole life but if you think that anyone thats ever done coke in their whole life is worthless than you can flush about half the population down the toilet.

 

[Doomsday101]

And I certainly see your point.

Taking chances on guys like Tank Johnson and Pacman Jones certainly didn't pay off.

As a fan, I certainly hope that the current approach does pay off, but given the number of questions at receiver, my head tells me some insurance would be prudent.

I think adding Jones only adds another question mark can he stay clean and out of trouble. I think Dallas needs to bite the bullet and get these younger guys into games playing bigger roles than they have had. As for insurances maybe Dallas does add a player as teams are forced to reduce their rosters I just don't think this team needs to deal with yet another questionable player at this stage. I think the team is trying to send a message to the players now is not the time to take a step backwards with that message.

 

[cobra]

Matt Jones is not an upgrade over Crayton.

It remains to be seen what Austin will bring to the table.

The only way I would be willing to do bring him in is for the minimum with the understanding that he's gone at the slightest mis-step. I assume that, unlike Pacman, this guy is smart enough to realize when he is facing his last chance and act accordingly.

But I don't think bringing him in here improves our WR corps appreciably. He's just another serviceable WR.

 

[jobberone]

I do question Jones' talents. The guy has not developed into a good receiver. I don't want 85 in Dallas, either.



Jones was the #1 or #2 receiving option for the Jags last year. Dallas had Witten, TO, Roy and Crayton. You can even add in Barber. How many catches was Austin, Hurd or Stanback supposed to have last season? There are only so many passes to go around. Austin took great advantage of the few opportunities he saw.

I see both sides of this issue. We just have to disagree about Jones' talent level. He's fast. And quick for a big guy. He has the hands. His questions are just how good is he. Is he a true #1? Is he a #2. Or even a 3. I love this guys talent and if you could take the other issues off the board and IF I were Jason Garrett I'd be drooling over the ways I could use this guy to attack defenses.

I see him as a fast Jay Novachek assuming (and that's a big if for a fan) he's got his head on st8 now. What could you do with him? Why the same things you could do with a Bennett plus more. He's faster than Bennett. He's quicker. He has the same hands. He probably can't block like Bennett or even Novachek on the LOS. He can block downfield well. He's a big target.

What he does represent is drugs not alcohol, problems in the past, and a lassiez faire attitude that puts coaches off. I won't debate the drug vs alcohol issue. I just see Jerry Jones making that distinction between the two. Jerry obviously sees no problem with alcohol and he does appear to draw the line with drugs. Him not me and that's how I see it true or not. JMO. He does have baggage although I agree with Stash it's not that troubling. But it is an issue. And his attitude does rub the wrong way.

The latter two issues can be addressed and contained. If not then bye-bye. I'm sure any NFL club securing his services will put a provisio in his contract allowing them to back out if there is any major issues. And Calvin Hill can address his appearance of a lacksadasical attitude with him and the rest of the organization.

The biggest obstacle is using a roster spot and possibly losing a gifted or even just solid contributing WR taking him on. Then if he messes things up we have to clean up the image as best as we can, deal with the club house issues, and face the possible loss of a valuable young WR for nothing in return.

That's the million dollar question on Mr Jones right now. Only inside info is going to steer someone in the right direction. IMO, he's too gifted a WR to not get another chance. It's when and where more than if.

 

[Doomsday101]

The guy got busted for doing blow once. Perhaps youve been polly purebred your whole life but if you think that anyone thats ever done coke in their whole life is worthless than you can flush about half the population down the toilet.

No they should not be fulshed down the toilet on the other hand they don't need to end up in Dallas either. Why should we be the team looking for problem players we are not the NFL probation team or at least we shouldn't be. No other team even those who could use some help at WR are knocking down doors to get a problem player why should we? Are we the team of last chances?

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Normally I hate guys like Jones, but in this case I'm for it. I was before and I still am.

The difference would have to be that unlike Pacman, he would have to be gone at the very first sign of trouble.

But Jones has tons of talent, and actually played his best last year after the drug bust, so maybe that finally got his attention. And like speedkilz said, the price would be very low.