Matt Jones wont be suspended by NFL, now we will see if jerry jones is interested!

[Stash]

Right, the problem with Pacman wasn't so much giving him a try as it was Jerry insisting he play even though he showed he was lazy, didn't pay attention to his technique, and didn't even try to improve it.

I would do just the opposite with Jones: Tell him that we're giving you a chance, but you're going to start out at the bottom of the depth chart and you're going to have to work your way up. If he looks lazy or simply doesn't look that much better than what we have, cut him. Why not? That's what every other team is going to tell him, too.

If Jerry can't help himself and is going to latch on like a bulldog to this project like he did with Pacman, I wouldn't even do it. But this seems like a new Jerry, with Stephen having more influence than ever.

This is exactly the way I'd do it - positively.

Matt Jones wopuld know from day one that he's on his last chance with absolutely, positively, zero tolerance for any sort of poor behavior.

 

[DFWJC]

Because Roger Gooddell only suspends those perceived as "thugs" by the media.

He suspended Matt Jones for three games last season.

I think Jones is coming around as a player. I followed Jacksonville a good bit last season and you could see his progression. Garrard was starting to find a comfort level with him and other teams were even throwing some double coverage on him because the other receivers and tight ends were not posing a threat. He will help someone this year.

All else aside, I agree with Stash and even think he could help the Cowboys. However......

Having said that, I don't think I'd bring him in. I like what we're doing overall as a team now and don't want to potential step backwards in that area. Could you imagine the discussion amoung players in the locker room if we let others go, but bring Jones in? Well, I can...and it would have the potential to be devisive.

 

[Alexander]

I have yet to see the commish coming down on any team.

I'll believe there is such a thing when I see it.

I don't think there has ever been an official word on this level of enforcement coming from Goodell's mouth. It is not even an issue right now. So why the worry? Over the past half decade or more, Dallas has been one of the cleanest teams in terms of criminal behavior in the NFL. Its a fact.

When teams start getting fined (who cares) or losing draft choices, then the excessive worry should take hold as a legitimate excuse. Right now, we need to worry about what these types of things do to our chemistry than what the NFL will do if we have these types of players on the squad.

 

[Stash]

I don't think there has ever been an official word on this level of enforcement coming from Goodell's mouth. It is not even an issue right now. So why the worry? Over the past half decade or more, Dallas has been one of the cleanest teams in terms of criminal behavior in the NFL. Its a fact.

When teams start getting fined (who cares) or losing draft choices, then the excessive worry should take hold as a legitimate excuse. Right now, we need to worry about what these types of things do to our chemistry than what the NFL will do if we have these types of players on the squad.

I honestly don't see how the league or the commissioner could have the hypocrisy to enfore anything!

The league would penalize a team for the actions of a player that they themselves allowed to play in the league?!?!?

I have not and never will give that supposed ruling any credence until I see it happen.

I'm betting I won't.

And I really think that Matt Jones would be operating on such thin ice that he couldn't have anything other than a positive influence on chemistry.

If he even said the wrong thing once, he'd be sent packing.

 

[Randy White]

I sure hope the team isn't thinking like you are.

Keeping only 4 receivers? With this bunch? I sure wouldn't. Two of the candidates are hurt already and they haven't even started working in pads yet! And both Austin and Roy Williams also have history of getting injured.

It's the way the team is configured. The Cowboys have 3 running backs who could start in the NFL. They have 2 TE's who they need to get the ball to. Usually teams' 3rd RB and 2nd TE do not merit to be mentioned in any game plan, other than blocking and/or special teams. In the Cowboys' case, Choice/Bennett, in essence, would take the place of any 4th or 5th WR ( in terms of pecking order for catches ) the Cowboys might keep. That 4th and 5th receiver will have to be, primarely, a special team player.

Jones had 65 catches in Jacksonville last season in about 12 games. Nobody the Cowboys have at receiver came close to that - nobody. How someone who was that productive 'does nothing for the Cowboys' is beyond me.

Puppycock.

Both Patrick Crayton ( 50 receptions ) and Marion Barber ( 52 receptions) were able to put almost similar numbers while being the 3rd/4th options in the passing game, as opposed to the #1 option that Matt Jones was. Barber did it while missing games due to injuries too.

But that's besides the point. Matt Jones would not be the #1/#2 option on the team, Witten/Williams are. At best, and this is a very long shot, he'd be taking catches away from Austin, F.Jones, and Barber, as 3rd/4th option, and that's counter productive to what the Cowboys are trying to do with Austin and Jones.

On an offense that will be emphasising the run, passes are not going to be as abundant as in past years.

Yea, if Williams goes down, sure, it'd be nice to have a Matt Jones to take his place, but the 53 men roster prevents such luxuries. Matt Jones would need to be an outstanding special team player in order to justify carrying him, and he hasn't proven that he is.

 

[kevwun]

Goodell and his arbitrary handing out of suspensions can go jump off a cliff. There needs to be a suspension policy because Goodell is not capable of handing them out in a fair or rational manner.

 

[Stash]

It's the way the team is configured. The Cowboys have 3 running backs who could start in the NFL. They have 2 TE's who they need to get the ball to. Usually teams' 3rd RB and 2nd TE do not merit to be mentioned in any game plan, other than blocking and/or special teams. In the Cowboys' case, Choice/Bennett, in essence, would take the place of any 4th or 5th WR ( in terms of pecking order for catches ) the Cowboys might keep. That 4th and 5th receiver will have to be, primarely, a special team player.

3rd running backs and backup TE's don't merit mentioning in most game plans. But, like most everything, what the Cowboys do have is often-times overestimated by the fanbase. And I'm as guilty of it as anyone. All of that 'talent' didn't get the job done last season, and they lost their best offensive weapon.

Let Hurd play special teams and cut the cord on the failed Stanback experiment for all I care. But after drafting 11 special teams players, the team should now have enough of them.

Puppycock. (isn't that poppycock?)

Both Patrick Crayton ( 50 receptions ) and Marion Barber ( 52 receptions) were able to put almost similar numbers while being the 3rd/4th options in the passing game, as opposed to the #1 option that Matt Jones was. Barber did it while missing games due to injuries too.

Crayton had 39 catches last season, not 50, much less 65 in 12 games.

But that's besides the point. Matt Jones would not be the #1/#2 option on the team, Witten/Williams are. At best, and this is a very long shot, he'd be taking catches away from Austin, F.Jones, and Barber, as 3rd/4th option, and that's counter productive to what the Cowboys are trying to do with Austin and Jones.

Offensive production is counter productive? 65 catches is taking away? Only in Bizarro-Cowboys fanland. Austin is still an unproven, injury-prone commodity. I'm hopeful he steps up and fulfills his promise but it's far from any guarantee. So I'm looking for a proven insurance policy. Jones doesn't have to be "#1" or "#2" or even "#3", he just has to be a capable player on the roster.

On an offense that will be emphasising the run, passes are not going to be as abundant as in past years.

Where's that written in stone? I haven't heard [strike]Mike Martz[/strike] Jason Garrett state that yet, just us fans and our wishful thinking.

Yea, if Williams goes down, sure, it'd be nice to have a Matt Jones to take his place, but the 53 men roster prevents such luxuries. Matt Jones would need to be an outstanding special team player in order to justify carrying him, and he hasn't proven that he is.

I don't see how it does. Jones' ability would more than warrant a roster spot that's been wasted on the James Martens and Joe Bergers of the past.

Again, would anyone shed a tear if the team pulled the plug on the Stanback experiment?

2 catches in 2 years?

 

[Randy White]

3rd running backs and backup TE's don't merit mentioning in most game plans. But, like most everything, what the Cowboys do have is often-times overestimated by the fanbase. And I'm as guilty of it as anyone.

In this case, it is NOT an overestimation. Tashard Choice and Martelleus Bennette have proved they deserved to be part of the game plan. Even if it's just for a few touches during the game.

All of that 'talent' didn't get the job done last season, and they lost their best offensive weapon.

If not for talent, what other reason would there be to bring in Matt Jones ?

Let Hurd play special teams and cut the cord on the failed Stanback experiment for all I care. But after drafting 11 special teams players, the team should now have enough of them.

Hurd WILL be playing special teams. That's the only way he'll make it ( aside from an unforseen injury ). Stanback will be fighting for a roster spot with one of those 11 special team players the team drafted.

Matt Jones can't play special teams.

Crayton had 39 catches last season, not 50, much less 65 in 12 games.

Crayton had 50 catches the year before as a 3rd option. He's more than capable of putting up " 65 " catches, or more, if need to. But, once again, this will not be the passing offense that we've seen in year's past.

Offensive production is counter productive? 65 catches is taking away? Only in Bizarro-Cowboys fanland.

It is, if you stop thinking with a John Madden PlayStation/Xbox video game mentality.

EVERY SINGLE pass thrown Matt Jones' way is a pass that's not thrown to Felix Jones or Miles Austin ( not to mention Barber ). That IS counter productive to getting those guys the ball, which IS what the Cowboys are planning to do.

Austin is still an unproven, injury-prone commodity. I'm hopeful he steps up and fulfills his promise but it's far from any guarantee. So I'm looking for a proven insurance policy. Jones doesn't have to be "#1" or "#2" or even "#3", he just has to be a capable player on the roster.

And in order to carry him, he'll have to play special teams, which he doesn't do. The Cowboys are not going to carry a WR on the roster just as an injury replacement. No team does.

Where's that written in stone? I haven't heard [strike]Mike Martz[/strike] Jason Garrett state that yet, just us fans and our wishful thinking.

Oh, I see where you're coming from and I have a feeling I'm wasting my time. If you're coming from the " Jason Garrett sucks/he's another Mike Martz pass happy OC " camp, then there's no use arguing about this. You're going to believe what you're going to believe.

However, if you're not, then you should have notice the signs of changes already. Getting rid of T.O. and not addressing the receiver position to replace him in any way ( other than resigning the restricted FAs ), are just two of them.

I don't see how it does. Jones' ability would more than warrant a roster spot that's been wasted on the James Martens and Joe Bergers of the past.

I don't know how to answer this because you're comparing apples to oranges. While teams do carry back up O-line who's purpose is just that, back up, they don't do that with WRs.

Again, would anyone shed a tear if the team pulled the plug on the Stanback experiment? 2 catches in 2 years?

No, and he might not make the team at all. But if he doesn't, it will be because the guy he lost the roster spot to plays special teams. That's something that Matt Jones hasn't proven he can do.

 

[Alexander]

Worth the baggage?

Jones may make sense for Chicago Bears

May 26, 2009, 4:15 PM

By: Jeff Dickerson


In somewhat of a surprise, ESPN's Chris Mortensen is reporting that former Jacksonville receiver Matt Jones will not be facing an additional suspension from the NFL for violating his court-mandated drug program. Jones was sent to jail for five days in March for drinking alcohol, after being suspended the final three games of 2008 following his arrest for cocaine possession in July.

Jones, a free agent after being released by the Jaguars, will be fined $50,000 by the league according to Mortensen's report.

Here's the question; would Jones make sense in Chicago?

"I think any team can use a young, healthy, and proven No. 1 receiver," Jones' agent, Dave Butz, told ESPNChicago.com. "Even if you already have one, why not have two?"

Well, the Bears really don't have one, much less two, so Jones might thrive with new quarterback Jay Cutler.

I know there is a lot of off-the-field baggage with Jones, but, other than Plaxico Burress, is there a better receiver available?

Before you mention Marvin Harrison, remember that Jones is 26, 10 years younger than Harrison, who turns 37 in August. Anquan Boldin still could be had, but it's no slam dunk the Bears still have enough ammunition to pull off the deal.

Bears GM Jerry Angelo has said publicly the Bears aren't desperate to add another wide-out. If that's true, then maybe the Bears take a pass on Jones. But if the situation is a little more dire than we've been led to believe, the Bears could do a lot worse.

 

[Stash]

In this case, it is NOT an overestimation. Tashard Choice and Martelleus Bennette have proved they deserved to be part of the game plan. Even if it's just for a few touches during the game.

As would Jones. And Jones could help ensure the team in case of an injury to their current group of receivers.

If not for talent, what other reason would there be to bring in Matt Jones ?

Obviously his talent. But you're trying to make the case that he would soemhow derail a picture perfect offense that was anything but perfect. In fact, Garrett underachieved with what he did have.

Hurd WILL be playing special teams. That's the only way he'll make it ( aside from an unforseen injury ). Stanback will be fighting for a roster spot with one of those 11 special team players the team drafted.

Matt Jones can't play special teams.

Nor does the team need him to. They've already got more special teams players than they need. Everything but the returner, which I feel they still lack.

Crayton had 50 catches the year before as a 3rd option. He's more than capable of putting up " 65 " catches, or more, if need to. But, once again, this will not be the passing offense that we've seen in year's past.

He put up those numbers with the benefit of having Owens command all of the defense's attention - he no longer has that crutch. Jones did what he did by himself with no other viable options in the passing game.

It is, if you stop thinking with a John Madden PlayStation/Xbox video game mentality.

Sorry, but I don't see the correlation when talking about someone you'd get for next to nothing.

EVERY SINGLE pass thrown Matt Jones' way is a pass that's not thrown to Felix Jones or Miles Austin ( not to mention Barber ). That IS counter productive to getting those guys the ball, which IS what the Cowboys are planning to do.

Great reasoning. Better get rid of Roy Williams too then.

And in order to carry him, he'll have to play special teams, which he doesn't do.

Wrong.

There are plenty of special teams candidates on this roster.

The Cowboys are not going to carry a WR on the roster just as an injury replacement. No team does.

Not suggesting they do, but the team just lost a receiver who 'couldn't play special teams' either, so adding one doesn't upset the apple cart. Jones can play now. And if Williams were injured, you wouldn't be screwed like you would now.

Oh, I see where you're coming from and I have a feeling I'm wasting my time. If you're coming from the " Jason Garrett sucks/he's another Mike Martz pass happy OC " camp, then there's no use arguing about this. You're going to believe what you're going to believe.

I believe what I see, not what I hope to see. Garrett struggled mightily last year and needs to rebound.

However, if you're not, then you should have notice the signs of changes already. Getting rid of T.O. and not addressing the receiver position to replace him in any way ( other than resigning the restricted FAs ), are just two of them.

So getting rid of TO is about the running game now? OK. Keep reaching.

I don't know how to answer this because you're comparing apples to oranges. While teams do carry back up O-line who's purpose is just that, back up, they don't do that with WRs.

And the Cowboys got zero out of those guys - nada - nothing. So don't cry to me about roster space when they can afford to keep stiffs like that who can't play.

No, and he might not make the team at all. But if he doesn't, it will be because the guy he lost the roster spot to plays special teams. That's something that Matt Jones hasn't proven he can do.

Stanback hasn't contributed to special teams either. You make him out to be some special teams ace when the fact is that he hasn't done that either.

If Matt Jones caught 3 passes all season, he'd have contributed more than Stanback has in two seasons.

Jones wouldn't have to play a single snap of special teams to justify a roster spot.

 

[AsthmaField]

Could you imagine the discussion amoung players in the locker room if we let others go, but bring Jones in? Well, I can...and it would have the potential to be devisive.

That's what would worry me.

We let TO go, we let Tank go, we let Pacman go, etc.... and then we are going to bring in M Jones?

People are wondering what Dallas was doing. Were they releasing players with off-field problems or were they releasing locker room cancers. Well, it doesn't have to be either/or. I think they were getting rid of primarily the locker room cancers... but also anyone creating distractions with off field issues. They were sick of distractions and they got rid of anyone creating them.

Last season, there were rumblings of one of the worst things that can happen to a football locker room... a split along racial lines. With Romo, Witten and Garrett on one side and T.O. and his crew on the other. Now, I don't know if it really is true or if it was just something created by the media, but that would be a worst case scenario.

If there is a *hint* of truth to that, I don't see any way on Earth that Dallas can cut T.O., etc. and then turn around and bring in Matt Jones.

Of course color wouldn't have anything to do with the decision... but perception becomes reality and I think the move could drive a stake directly through the heart of the Dallas locker room.

The risk of that outweighs any positives M Jones could bring to the table, tenfold.

I'm sure the players are all onboard now with the direction the team is moving in, but it could all fall apart with one poor decision by the front office.

Who knows? Anything can happen... but I would be shocked if the team even gives consideration to bringing in Jones. It just wouldn't make sense.

 

[Apollo Creed]

Couldn't hurt.

 

[Stash]

That's what would worry me.

We let TO go, we let Tank go, we let Pacman go, etc.... and then we are going to bring in M Jones?

People are wondering what Dallas was doing. Were they releasing players with off-field problems or were they releasing locker room cancers. Well, it doesn't have to be either/or. I think they were getting rid of primarily the locker room cancers... but also anyone creating distractions with off field issues. They were sick of distractions and they got rid of anyone creating them.

If that's truly the case, explain the signing of Gerald Sensabaugh?

Last season, there were rumblings of one of the worst things that can happen to a football locker room... a split along racial lines. With Romo, Witten and Garrett on one side and T.O. and his crew on the other. Now, I don't know if it really is true or if it was just something created by the media, but that would be a worst case scenario.

If there is a *hint* of truth to that, I don't see any way on Earth that Dallas can cut T.O., etc. and then turn around and bring in Matt Jones.

Of course color wouldn't have anything to do with the decision... but perception becomes reality and I think the move could drive a stake directly through the heart of the Dallas locker room.

The risk of that outweighs any positives M Jones could bring to the table, tenfold.

I'm sure the players are all onboard now with the direction the team is moving in, but it could all fall apart with one poor decision by the front office.

Who knows? Anything can happen... but I would be shocked if the team even gives consideration to bringing in Jones. It just wouldn't make sense.

I think that issue has been clearly addressed.

Anyone disturbing the locker room is gone. No matter race, color, creed, or salary.

That issue is over.

And anyone who would bring it up again knows that they'd join the rest of the crew who've been shown the door.

And none of them has gone on to 'greener pastures'.

Ownership has gone to great lengths to drive out any divisive elements, and I think anyone who started talking about any sort of division would get their walking papers.

Fast.

 

[JohnnyHopkins]

Puppycock.

:laugh2: Could it be that you meant to use an "o" in place of the "u"?

 

[tomson75]

:laugh2: Could it be that you meant to use an "o" in place of the "u"?

:laugh2:

If he didn't....he's got some issues.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

That's what would worry me.

We let TO go, we let Tank go, we let Pacman go, etc.... and then we are going to bring in M Jones?

People are wondering what Dallas was doing. Were they releasing players with off-field problems or were they releasing locker room cancers. Well, it doesn't have to be either/or. I think they were getting rid of primarily the locker room cancers... but also anyone creating distractions with off field issues. They were sick of distractions and they got rid of anyone creating them.

Last season, there were rumblings of one of the worst things that can happen to a football locker room... a split along racial lines. With Romo, Witten and Garrett on one side and T.O. and his crew on the other. Now, I don't know if it really is true or if it was just something created by the media, but that would be a worst case scenario.

If there is a *hint* of truth to that, I don't see any way on Earth that Dallas can cut T.O., etc. and then turn around and bring in Matt Jones.

Of course color wouldn't have anything to do with the decision... but perception becomes reality and I think the move could drive a stake directly through the heart of the Dallas locker room.

The risk of that outweighs any positives M Jones could bring to the table, tenfold.

I'm sure the players are all onboard now with the direction the team is moving in, but it could all fall apart with one poor decision by the front office.

Who knows? Anything can happen... but I would be shocked if the team even gives consideration to bringing in Jones. It just wouldn't make sense.

I told tomson that very, same thing

that obviously has t'be taken into consideration

 

[RS12]

Guilty confession:

A part of me wishes we'd bring him in. If he doesn't work hard or just acts lazy, cut him. He has tons of talent, though.

I know. :

How bout a logical confession. A big part of me doesnt trust what we have in here now. Give him a low risk contract and lets go.

 

[DFWJC]

"I think any team can use a young, healthy, and proven No. 1 receiver," Jones' agent, Dave Butz, told ESPNChicago.com. "Even if you already have one, why not have two?"

.

LOL Sure sounds likes an agent.

As much as I appreciate that Jones is finally learning the WR position and could help someone, he is by no means a proven #1 WR. That's a comical quote. Jacksonville most certainly did not have any #1s last year...including Jones. And if Mike Walker had been healthy, there's a real chance Jones would not have even been #2a last season.

With 3rd year guy Mike Walker healthy and Torry Holt now a Jag, there's a chance Jones would not even start in jacksonville this season (though he still would have played a role).

 

[AsthmaField]

If that's truly the case, explain the signing of Gerald Sensabaugh?

Hiya stash.

To answer that, I'll ask you a question: How do you think the media attention that Sensabaugh has garnered since we signed him would compare to what would happen if we signed Matt Jones? How great a gap in the possible media distractions do you feel would be there?

I don't think the staff feels like Sensabaugh will be a problem or that his presence is going to cause even the slightest distraction. A point that has been proven over the period of time since we signed him.

We all know it would be a Pacman like media circus if we signed Jones.

I think that issue has been clearly addressed.

Anyone disturbing the locker room is gone. No matter race, color, creed, or salary.

That issue is over.

And anyone who would bring it up again knows that they'd join the rest of the crew who've been shown the door.

And none of them has gone on to 'greener pastures'.

Ownership has gone to great lengths to drive out any divisive elements, and I think anyone who started talking about any sort of division would get their walking papers.

Fast.

That is easy to say in the comfort of your own home. Honestly, we all throw around these disciplines and rules we would lay out to the team... but dealing with the 80-some odd grown men that Dallas will be bringing to training camp is a whole different matter.

You can't stop buddies from talking in the locker room. Even if you could... you couldn't stop them from talking after practice or in their rooms. You can't stop the texts. You can't stop their emotions from coming into play.

If around half of the roster feels like getting rid of T.O. (no off field issues) and bringing in Matt Jones (cocaine, jail-time) is a race issue and makes no sense... there's not going to be crap the team can do about it.

Like I said... right now the team can justify the housecleaning that took place. Sensabaugh clearly doesn't hurt that. The team, media and fans are all on the same page with the team. Bring in Matt Jones though and who knows what happens with reality and perception.

I do see, in a perfect world, where Jones' talent would be nice to add to this group (although i still see him as lazy and not that talented)... but in the real world where you have to work with a bunch of grown men and their perceptions... it isn't anywhere close to worth bringing him in.

 

[Stash]

Hiya stash.

To answer that, I'll ask you a question: How do you think the media attention that Sensabaugh has garnered since we signed him would compare to what would happen if we signed Matt Jones? How great a gap in the possible media distractions do you feel would be there?

I don't think the staff feels like Sensabaugh will be a problem or that his presence is going to cause even the slightest distraction. A point that has been proven over the period of time since we signed him.

We all know it would be a Pacman like media circus if we signed Jones.

Hey Asthma, (that doesn't sound right...)

I honestly don't think it would be.

Matt Jones isn't nearly the household name that Pacman Jones was.

He's not as obscure a player as Sensabaugh, but not close to Pacman's level of infamy either, but more in-between. And I don't think the general opinion of Matt Jones is of him being a thug, hoodlum, or ne'er-do-well but more of a screwup.

That is easy to say in the comfort of your own home. Honestly, we all throw around these disciplines and rules we would lay out to the team... but dealing with the 80-some odd grown men that Dallas will be bringing to training camp is a whole different matter.

You can't stop buddies from talking in the locker room. Even if you could... you couldn't stop them from talking after practice or in their rooms. You can't stop the texts. You can't stop their emotions from coming into play.

If around half of the roster feels like getting rid of T.O. (no off field issues) and bringing in Matt Jones (cocaine, jail-time) is a race issue and makes no sense... there's not going to be crap the team can do about it.

Like I said... right now the team can justify the housecleaning that took place. Sensabaugh clearly doesn't hurt that. The team, media and fans are all on the same page with the team. Bring in Matt Jones though and who knows what happens with reality and perception.

I do see, in a perfect world, where Jones' talent would be nice to add to this group (although i still see him as lazy and not that talented)... but in the real world where you have to work with a bunch of grown men and their perceptions... it isn't anywhere close to worth bringing him in.

Perhaps, and the players can say whatever they won't out of the locker room, but they'd better hope that word didn't get back to management.

And, honestly, who's left to stir up trouble at this point?

I'd put Jones' signing closer to Sensabaugh's than I would Pacman's, or any of the other locker room lawyers that have been shown the door.

And I think he's shed the 'lazy' tage with earning Jacksonville's #1 receiver role and catching 65 passes in 12 games. Not to mention his personal off-season work with former receiver Ricky Proehl.

But that's me.