Marcus Jones has confirmed to be a useful asset and explosive playmaker for the Patriots irrespective of if he’s lined up on protection, offense, or particular groups.
Thus far, the rookie cornerback has scored in all three phases of the sport, including a pick-six off Joe Burrow to his resume throughout Saturday’s 22-18 loss to the Bengals.
While he’s been taking part in a majority of snaps on protection, is it doable for Jones to someway be extra concerned with the offense, which may actually use extra of that explosiveness within the closing two video games?
During a video name with reporters Monday, Bill Belichick stated that whereas it was not possible for Jones to be concerned in the entire receiver playbook, the Patriots do need to attempt to incorporate him somewhat extra on that facet of the ball.
Given the stakes, with the Patriots needing to win out to safe a playoff berth, seeing extra of Jones as a receiver would assist.
But as Belichick defined, it’s simply too troublesome to ratchet up his offensive snaps an excessive amount of given his different obligations.
“When you have situation like that, where you have a specialty player playing one side of the ball or another, at this point in time, mid season, where the person doesn’t have a full background on that side of the ball, whether that’s Troy (Brown) or Julian (Edelman) playing defense, or Mike Vrabel playing tight end, or Marcus playing his role, I think to try and conceptually teach them the system, that’s not something we have done, or would ever do,” the Patriots head coach stated. “There are definitely limitations on how far these gamers, Marcus on this case, would be capable to go. But, can we use him somewhat extra? Can we add on to what he’s performed? Sure.
“I don’t think he’ll ever have the full receiver playbook, if you will, at this point in time, definitely not with his other responsibilities as well on defense and the kicking game.”
Against the Bengals, Jones had 75 snaps on protection, three on offense, and 9 on particular groups.
During his weekly look on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show,” Belichick stated the Patriots should “pick our spots” with respect to getting Jones in on offense, however protection was definitely the precedence. The Patriots have been lacking starter Jalen Mills and rookie Jack Jones at nook, leaving Marcus Jones with a full load on protection.
His pick-six Saturday — returning the ball 69 yards — sparked the Patriots livid comeback from 22-0.
“That was a great run by Marcus,” stated Belichick. “I’m not sure how many players we have that could have made that run.”
On the day, together with the interception, Jones additionally had a fumble restoration, led the staff with 14 tackles, and pulled in a 15-yard go from quarterback Mac Jones.
The Patriots, sitting at 7-8, controlling their very own future with respect to the playoffs. Seeing extra of Marcus, even for just some extra offensive snaps, will surely assist the trigger.
Source: www.bostonherald.com