Our 2nd drive of the game, Julius Jones' execution, opinions please

[LarryCanadian]

Anyone remember this drive. I need to go back and watch it again. At the start of the drive I think Julius got the ball 3 times, at least one of which was a dump off pass, where I thought he had a ton of room.

I think Jones got a first down on third and short. Barely. He didn't get any yards after contact.

I'm not a Jones hater. I do prefer Marion. I think they are very different backs. Jones is much quicker when he accelerates straight ahead. I just worry a ton about Jones' vision and strength (basically his ability to get that extra yard after contact when it's really important). On the pass, I thought Jones had a ton of room to slash for a big gain, but he hesitated and made a bunch of short steps trying to figure out where to go, by the time he committed the holes had closed and he ended up with 5 yards instead of what I thought should have been at least 12 or so. It was like his instinct wasn't there. Perhaps it's the lack of getting in rhythm, minimal carries, but I don't think the team can wait till his 25th touch to have him at peak performance.

There was another play in 2nd half I believe where Jones ran sideways and was making those little hesitant steps and didn't get anywhere and the defense brought him down as he wasn't running hard, nor straight ahead. On that play as well I felt Jones lost the opportunity for another 3-10 yards by not just putting the petal to the metal and hitting the hole decisively. The holes were there again, he was in space as is his strength. He just wasn't quickly recognizing his lane and then hitting it hard. I know patience is important on some of those plays, but the lane was there, it had already developed.

This isn't a troll post, trying to be negative about the game. I think Jones ran hard. I just feel watching some of these plays, I think we can upgrade the slashing speed running back position to someone even more dangerous than Jones that complements Barber even better. This is a topic because we are faced with Jones as a free agent, and I think that while he's good an elite team would have a more consistent threat for big plays and one a bit more likely to make an extra yard or two after contact. Yes I am spoiled by watching Barber and that Minni rookie hit the hole decisively.

I just feel Jones is leaving yards on the field even when he's in space now. It's not that he isn't trying, or that he doesn't have talent, I just feel that using a late first or 2nd rounder on a complement to Barber might be the better move than resigning Jones.

Jones did make some nice runs in the game, I was just wondering how people felt about that 2nd drive, and that later play by Jones(I need to rewatch the game I taped and give an accurate time). Seems there is a big gain there and Jones hesitates and then goes down right away on contact. A first down or bigger gain ends up being 5 yards or 1 yard. In all fairness he did get the first downs a couple of times, but just barely.

LarryCanadian

 

[ejthedj]

I saw that, too on the screen pass. And have seen it before. It always seems like he's afraid of slashing outside for like 4-8 yds. Parcells influence?

 

[mmillman]

Jones doesn't have the wiggle, the vision or the power. He will be a free agent and gone next year. This year, his role is perfect in the RBBC.

 

[zrinkill]

Jones had a good game yesterday ...... We need to stop being so critical of these guys.

I also prefer Barber .... but I will not badmouth Jones to promote Barber, especially when he plays well.

 

[utrunner07]

jeez some of you want be happy unless jones plays a perfect game, gets 200 yards and 3 touchdowns.

 

[LarryCanadian]

I was hoping that this thread wouldn't fall into the trap of "lets stop ganging up on Jones, we won the game". Like I said, I thought Jones ran hard. But, I'm trying to ask people to review that second offense series at the start.

The game was 7-7. It was an important time, since if we don't get that first down on 3rd and 3, like I already pointed out, Jones did get, we end up punting and Eagles stay in game and might even take a lead. Maybe that changes the whole tempo of the game. It was darn close.

Those 3 plays to me were interesting to watch. I saw Julius Jones do his job, but thought "THAT was close". I wondered out loud, would a different back have done significantly better. I saw a chance for a much bigger play on what ended up being a 5 yard pass. I saw a third down and 3 play where Jones got 3 yards and an inch, but on contact got no further yardage and very nearly resulted in the Boys needing to punt. Instead we went and got a touchdown.

BUT, my question is, during that series, is Jones excecuting/playing to a good enough level to be a back on a SuperBowl/elite team? I didn't think so on that 3 play series. He achieved the first down, but I thought other players would have/should have done better.

This doesn't mean I think Jones needs 200 yards and 3 touchdowns to make me happy. Nor does it mean I am unhappy with the game, which to me was the first STATEMENT divisional victory we have had in many years, and I'm ecstatic about it. I am just thinking about the future. I like Jones, but I think I'd like to take a try on another back in the draft next year. This series and similar ones during the year are what I'm basing my opinion on. I'm asking for people to review those 1st 3 plays, even 1st 4 plays of our 2nd offensive series and tell me if this player can be improved on with a roster move next year?! I think it's a valid question. An elite team would consider it. We have 2 first rounders and a 2nd rounder and still some cap room, plus Jones is a free agent who might leave anyway. It's a pending decision.

Please don't hijack the thread into, "aren't you guys ever happy" that isn't what I'm trying to post about.

LarryCanadian