FOXBORO — No one within the NFL can sustain with Tyreek Hill’s pace, but when anybody can gradual the Dolphins large receiver down, it’s Patriots speedy cornerback Jonathan Jones.
The Patriots have performed in opposition to Hill seven instances throughout his All-Pro profession. He hasn’t gained over 100 receiving yards in a recreation in opposition to the Patriots since 2018 and averaged 74.5 yards per recreation in opposition to the Pats final season. He’s averaged 106.9 yards per recreation as a member of the Dolphins.
Jones definitely doesn’t cowl Hill alone. It’s a full-team effort, however the veteran cornerback is aware of higher than most individuals within the NFL easy methods to defend him. He’ll have one other crack at it Sunday when the Patriots play the Dolphins.
“You just try to be physical,” Jones mentioned. “You try to hit him when you can, slow him down, try to match speed with speed. That’s your best bet.”
Jones has 36 whole catches for 550 yards with 5 touchdowns in seven video games in opposition to the Patriots.
And regardless of Jones’ relative success in opposition to the speedster, he nonetheless has an excessive amount of respect for Hill.
“He has an incredible skill set,” Jones mentioned. “It’s just one of those things, a guy like that, he’s explosive. He can take a 3-yard pass and take it the distance. He keeps the defense on its toes on every play.”
Dolphins third-year professional Jaylen Waddle is one other one of many quickest large receivers within the NFL. The Dolphins are 3-1 in opposition to the Patriots since he entered the NFL. He’s put up 16 catches on 22 targets for 209 yards with three touchdowns in 4 video games in opposition to the Patriots since popping out of Alabama the place he was considered one of QB Mac Jones’ favourite targets.
“That whole unit, they stretch defenses out when you play zone,” Jones mentioned. “When you play man, you’re running around all day chasing them. They just have tremendous skillset between the two of them. They can stretch the field, and Waddle’s not slow either. So you have both sides to do.”
Jones has really identified Hill since highschool. They’re each from Georgia and, unsurprisingly, ran observe. Jones mentioned Hill ran the 200M whereas he did hurdles.
The two have a pleasant rivalry.
“So, it’s kind of like, ‘Hey, how are you doing? Let’s get to work.’”
Source: www.bostonherald.com