Matt Jones Monday night

[TheGreek1973]

14 hours ago, Koolblue13 said:

Quote feature makes me nuts.

Anyway, other than 5 quarters of football, mostly against the Brown's, has he done to prove me wrong?

Runs too high, knees too low, legs don't keep moving, falls down from arm tackles, no vision, lacks patience, dances too much.

But he's got the messurables!

That's just it.  Even against the Browns he missed hitting the right hole in the first half.  He could have had easily 150 yards rushing and who knows maybe a couple of TD breaking out.  The guy is not seeing the correct holes, and worse when he gets out in space where he can plow people over, he stutter steps and gets tackled like a 170 Lbs RB.

[Koolblue13]

1 minute ago, thesubmittedone said:

 

How about the last three games? You know, the more recent and therefore relevant ones? Yeah, I mean, we're not hardcore enough on here to know there's been an obvious difference in rush attempts since those first two games, right?

And that wasn't the only reasoning I gave. *pulls hair out*

I know that's not the only reason you gave and I understand your frustration. I've been defending Hall and Murphy for a while.

Our last game was 32 in league average, so you're only talking about 2 games out of 5 we ran more.

I can't say a lot, because our average in the last three, without the first two games, is about 20th in the league.

We're middle of the pack in average per attempt, but that's only if you include those first two game, which you're dismissing. Otherwise, yep bottom of the league.

I know it's not all on Jones, but he's a bottom of the league starting running back. 

[ThomasRoane]

Three things that jump out at me about Jones.

 

1) He lacks vision.  You can tell that he often predetermines his cuts and moves.  I always tell my RB's to "run with their eyes."  Some of it can be drilled.  We do a nice zone drill called Bang it - Bend it - Bounce it.  Which are the three choices for most zone running schemes and can even be used in a power scheme.  But there must be an innate ability or instinct to find and exploit the little cracks in the defense.  A running back has that ability or he doesn't.  I don't think MJ does.

2)  He doesn't like contact.  RB is the ONE Position where you cannot be shy about getting hit.  Because you will on pretty much every play.  Now, that doesn't mean they should be looking for contact.  They should avoid it as much as possible.  But when there is nothing else available a good RB won't mind getting his pads down and punishing the defender. 

3)  He lacks balance.  He often seems like he is just winging it on a run.  He seems to slow down as he makes his cuts and moves just so he can remain upright.  That allows the defense to catch up; making his fakes null and void.

 

Honestly, I think he is playing the wrong position.  He would be a better Tight End or H Back.

[TSO]

1 minute ago, Koolblue13 said:

I know that's not the only reason you gave and I understand your frustration. I've been defending Hall and Murphy for a while.

Our last game was 32 in league average, so you're only talking about 2 games out of 5 we ran more.

I can't say a lot, because our average in the last three, without the first two games, is about 20th in the league.

We're middle of the pack in average per attempt, but that's only if you include those first two game, which you're dismissing. Otherwise, yep bottom of the league.

I know it's not all on Jones, but he's a bottom of the league starting running back. 

 

You weren't the only one defending Hall or Murphy. I was right there doing the same. Which is what I find shameful about your attitude towards Jones, you saying you "understand" or not, but whatever. 

Against the Ravens it was more our lack of offense than a lack of rushing attempts. We simply didn't sustain many drives, Ravens were the same. Most would acknowledge the wind was the cause of that more than anything else. 

And I wasn't dismissing the first two games as a whole, for crying out loud, it was an acknowledgment of how little we attempted to run and the difference between that and our attempts after. A counterpoint to your "he's fresh". My goodness, to then use that as a launching point to remove Matt's YPC? Ridiculous. 

Most teams give other backs carries in general. The Ravens spelled West with Dixon against us. You're acting like it's some anomaly for Kelley to play more. 

I have yet to see you mention PFF's take on Matt Jones being top 5 in Yards After Contact, perhaps the most important stat for a RB? 

Let me guess, it goes something like "PFF, lol". Don't get me wrong, I'm not a big PFF fan myself... but that's an easy stat to track. I doubt there's much room for interpretation there. 

[BatteredFanSyndrome]

Cooley has been all over Matt Jones and the need to get someone else in there, even after his 'good' games.  His critiques are very similar to what I think I see on gameday and practically mirror what a lot of the posters here are saying.  For a guy that gets compared to Marshawn Lynch, you expect him to be a human truck stick - and he's just not.  I'm not sure that's something you can coach up, you either like contact or you don't.  I realize that midweek comments don't really mean a whole lot, but I thought his comments about just realizing why he played football was pretty eye opening.  I'm not going to sit here and crap on the guys 'heart', not all guys have a desire to run people over.  But at the same time, he's built like a RB that's meant to run people over.

 

[Darth Tater]

4 minutes ago, ThomasRoane said:

Three things that jump out at me about Jones.

 

1) He lacks vision.  You can tell that he often predetermines his cuts and moves.  I always tell my RB's to "run with their eyes."  Some of it can be drilled.  We do a nice zone drill called Bang it - Bend it - Bounce it.  Which are the three choices for most zone running schemes and can even be used in a power scheme.  But there must be an innate ability or instinct to find and exploit the little cracks in the defense.  A running back has that ability or he doesn't.  I don't think MJ does.

2)  He doesn't like contact.  RB is the ONE Position where you cannot be shy about getting hit.  Because you will on pretty much every play.  Now, that doesn't mean they should be looking for contact.  They should avoid it as much as possible.  But when there is nothing else available a good RB won't mind getting his pads down and punishing the defender. 

3)  He lacks balance.  He often seems like he is just winging it on a run.  He seems to slow down as he makes his cuts and moves just so he can remain upright.  That allows the defense to catch up; making his fakes null and void.

 

Honestly, I think he is playing the wrong position.  He would be a better Tight End or H Back.

He does seem to lack vision and does seem to lack balance but I've seen nothing that jumps out that says he avoids contact.  What I see is more an artifact arising from the first two and an upright running style not conducive to turning those 0-2 yarders into 3-5 yard runs while also increasing the chance for a fumble. I remember watching Portis and you'd be certain he just got a yard or two and then you look and it 2-5.  How often have you seen a backer get into Jones' chest or waist, knocking him back or just straight down?  You want to truck someone, make him hit your shoulder, don't let him at your waist or chest as anybody playing backer, safety or DL should consistently be able to drop you and bring the pain.

Of course, the only guy I've seen consistently break tackles due to power is our TE.

[RandyHolt]

Our run plays do seem to lack creativity. Or, we try to man up and go up the gut / BTT. 

Sorry, but 3rd and 1 showing run heavy and going with a slow developing run up the gut, remains for ~10 years now, so not us.

I think the fumble opened the door for Kelley. Has any other team used only 1 1st down back as much as we have? You'd think Jones was dominating seeing how little competition he sees. About the Lynch comparison, maybe Jones figured out to survive 16 games physically, he simply is not going to emulate Lynch.

Watch us go toss heavy this weekend, something we seem to do a game or 2 a year.

[Koolblue13]

17 minutes ago, thesubmittedone said:

 

You weren't the only one defending Hall or Murphy. I was right there doing the same. Which is what I find shameful about your attitude towards Jones, you saying you "understand" or not, but whatever. 

Against the Ravens it was more our lack of offense than a lack of rushing attempts. We simply didn't sustain many drives, Ravens were the same. Most would acknowledge the wind was the cause of that more than anything else. 

And I wasn't dismissing the first two games as a whole, for crying out loud, it was an acknowledgment of how little we attempted to run and the difference between that and our attempts after. A counterpoint to your "he's fresh". My goodness, to then use that as a launching point to remove Matt's YPC? Ridiculous. 

Most teams give other backs carries in general. The Ravens spelled West with Dixon against us. You're acting like it's some anomaly for Kelley to play more. 

I have yet to see you mention PFF's take on Matt Jones being top 5 in Yards After Contact, perhaps the most important stat for a RB? 

Let me guess, it goes something like "PFF, lol". Don't get me wrong, I'm not a big PFF fan myself... but that's an easy stat to track. I doubt there's much room for interpretation there. 

I don't know why this is getting to you so much, but you're getting snippy. 

I just explained the games/carries/yac. You can pick and choose what you want to defend this one man crusade in defense of Jones all you want.

Imma let his play keep driving my opinion. Sure, he could be the exception to the rule about how RBs either have it or don't. Pretty rare for a cat to need time to improve there.

Again, all the messurables and potential in the world. Maybe when Cousins puts it together and there's only 5/6 guys in the box he'll flash and you can do "told ya sos".

[Suffolk_Skins]

It's still an improvement on last year remember all those 2nd 12s with Alf?

[crabbypatty]

1 hour ago, thesubmittedone said:

@crabbypatty See, your post is exactly what I'm talking about. And further proof of Matt being more targeted here than anything else. I mean, please, before a single down was played this season the guy was written off. 

As for what I mean when I say this is exactly what I'm talking about... it's the exaggerations, hyperbole, and general extremist thinking that goes on the majority of the time when discussing Matt that ruins any attempt at a normal and fair discussion regarding him. 

Just look at your post. A "blind man" can see he's leaving stuff on the field, and "it's a ton on almost every play". "He leaves a TON on the field" (your capitalization, not mine). 

What utter nonsense and hyperbole. You don't average over 4 ypc by doing that. He's certainly missed some opportunities here and there, but just like with Kirk they're being way too magnified while the good is omitted. 

Your claim of of running holes and lanes makes it sound like our Oline is just amazing at run blocking. Again, utter nonsense and hyperbole. They've done much better, but you talk as if there's gaping hole after gaping hole being opened up by them. 

"West would be leading the league... even with 29th in the league rushing attempts..." running behind them? Are you kidding me!? We just saw West have a pedestrian stat line against us with a pretty decent amount of attempts and some big holes, especially early on, didn't we? And you come up with that one!? 

Like, thanks for proving my point. No one seems to have an ability to discuss Matt's issues without throwing any objectivity out the window. It's really something. I don't know what that something is, but it's certainly not rational. 

If he's that utterly terrible as so many are claiming here, I don't see how the entire coaching staff shouldn't be fired for playing such an utterly useless player this much, let alone have him start. I mean, they must clearly be complete idiots who have zero knowledge of football because "even a blind man..." blah blah blah. 

Scot should be hung for spending a 3rd rounder on him, too. And constantly praising his abilities whenever asked about him. Or, heck, even when he's not asked and just brings him up gushingly on his own. 

Oh, and every defensive coordinator we've faced that allowed him to have any type of success against their defense should immediately kill themselves. How dare they insult the game of football for allowing such a high YPC average to such a terrible player. Oh yeah, it's not their fault. Our incredible run blocking Oline opened up gaping holes all the time and Matt just walked for those yards before being taken down by a pinky. 

Awesome. 

Oh geez, here we go.

You want to talk about hyperbole and exaggeration, you should take a look at what you post. Because you use just as much, just in a much more condescending manner.

Yes, I did use some, to emphasize the point I was making, which is HE LEAVES A TON OF YARDS ON THE FIELD. Nobody is minimizing the "good" that he does, and yes, there are some plays where there is absolutely nothing available. But there are also a bunch of plays where he gains only 2 yards or less when there was much more available, as proven by play breakdowns and all 22, or simply re-watching the games with a dvr. Do I want him to be successful? Yes I do. Is he getting the job done? No, imo he most definitely is not.

And again, nobody said the Oline was the best ever, however as a whole they are run blocking better than expected, and there are holes there. I know you don't think so since MJ seemingly created that 4.0 ypc average on his own somehow, but the fact remains that when he runs there are plenty of times that there is a lot more to be gained on the ground, by someone who could see those holes. But, since you need to be so literal, no there isn't a gaping hole on every play, and no not every run should be 50+ and a TD. But is there plenty more available? YES. Using my earlier example of West, did you see a difference between the way West ran and got skinny and down through holes, amazingly popping out on the other side? Or how he finishes runs, vs how Jones runs and tries to run around DB's, or tries to turn his back instead of just lowering the shoulder and running those little guys over? And even if you discount the 35 yard run that West had, he still had 60 yards on 10 other carries for a 6 ypc average. If you want to call that an "pedestrian effort" (hyperbole much??) then I don't know what else to say.

Lastly, as far as your "if he's that utterly terrible can't see how the coaching staff shouldn't be fired" blah blah nonsense, I guess the coaches are just saying they're going to play Kelley more because he needs the exercise or something, right? If Jones was the surefire awesomesauce you claim, there would be no need to get more carries to anyone else. The fact is that they can see Jones isn't getting the job done, and need to try something to spark the run game. They tried building him up, talking him up and gave him plenty of chances, but he's not maximizing those chances. Hence the announcement that Kelley would get more time and touches. Jones has improved, there is no doubting that. But he's still got a long way to go and I get the feeling the team can't afford to babysit him through his growing pains in the hopes that he will eventually be a good runner.

[Suffolk_Skins]

What I don't like is Gruden hinting going back to a kind of two back system "they'll both get their carries etc".

I think at this point just give the load to Kelly on Sunday and see what happens. Not ideal but I'd just give him a shot. If he can't run then bring Jones back in. I hated the two back system last year. I was thinking Jones got a little too much heat after the first few weeks of the season but after watching the Browns and Ravens games the criticisms are correct and justified. 

[SkinssRvA]

If I see one more person compare matt jones to marshawn lynch...

Matt Jones has awful vision, isn't nearly as quick twitch as lynch, and has about 1/10th of his physicality.  

[TSO]

6 hours ago, Koolblue13 said:

I don't know why this is getting to you so much, but you're getting snippy. 

I just explained the games/carries/yac. You can pick and choose what you want to defend this one man crusade in defense of Jones all you want.

Imma let his play keep driving my opinion. Sure, he could be the exception to the rule about how RBs either have it or don't. Pretty rare for a cat to need time to improve there.

Again, all the messurables and potential in the world. Maybe when Cousins puts it together and there's only 5/6 guys in the box he'll flash and you can do "told ya sos".

 

Oh my God, I don't do "told ya sos". At least not nearly as much as you have even just recently with Trent Murphy acting like you were alone in his defense. Crazy that I'd get that from you. 

Heck, I have about one percent of the posts you do on Jones, so it's crazy I'm getting a response like this from you. Just unbelievable. 

I'm getting snippy because the conversation is nowhere near objective, and I'm certainly not the only one who sees that. One man crusade, lol. Even if that were the case, which it's not, it doesn't matter. Truth is truth. 

Besides, come on KB, if anyone knows snippy it's you. You should be a little more understanding of it considering how often you do the same. And I don't mean that to offend, you have a right to be at times. 

But here's what's annoying. I don't think you're just letting his play drive your opinion. You're approaching him with an extreme negative bias that you've carried with you for almost a year now. Whatever positive he brings, it's omitted from almost every one of your posts. Don't get me wrong, you're not the only one. Far from it. And I'm glad you've added some positives about him in your recent posts.  

Furthermore, your ideas about RBs being automatic plug and play guys, or that you always know what they are immediately, have been proven wrong. And it's not just exceptions. There are plenty of examples of good to great RBs who took time to hit their stride. It happens. And often. Especially with as raw a prospect as Matt considering how few carries he got in college. 

So it's not just a present bias, it's one that doesn't even allow for the possibility of his development. That one is what kills me the most. "Rare for a cat to need time there to improve"... that's a simplistic and exaggerated view. 

I've repeatedly stated that I acknowledge he's got some issues to work out. Major ones, particularly his vision and decision making once he gets to the second level. He's too unsure of what he wants to be. 

But there's a reason the team is being so patient with him. It's because once he gets it, he can be an absolute force. We've seen it happen already. For all the talk of missed opportunities in the Browns game, the kid still got all those yards... so what does that say about his athleticism if he's still netting positive gains while not taking advantage of the easier lanes? 

5 hours ago, crabbypatty said:

You want to talk about hyperbole and exaggeration, you should take a look at what you post. Because you use just as much, just in a much more condescending manner.

 

Oh, come on... I was purposely using hyperbole to counter yours. Don't do that man. 

5 hours ago, crabbypatty said:

And again, nobody said the Oline was the best ever, however as a whole they are run blocking better than expected, and there are holes there. I know you don't think so since MJ seemingly created that 4.0 ypc average on his own somehow

 

This is what I said: 

"Your claim of of running holes and lanes makes it sound like our Oline is just amazing at run blocking. Again, utter nonsense and hyperbole. They've done much better, but you talk as if there's gaping hole after gaping hole being opened up by them."

Somehow this is how you respond?  

I can literally go through your entire post and find numerous examples that prove you not only failed to understand my positions at all, but that you likely didn't read anything I said sincerely. 

 

5 hours ago, crabbypatty said:

Nobody is minimizing the "good" that he does, and yes, there are some plays where there is absolutely nothing available.

 

Really? I mean, really? No minimizing? 

I'll just say we have a foundational disagreement about this and, therefore, it's pretty much useless to carry on here. You're not budging, I'm not either. 

[wit33]

How long should a RB get to show consistency? Seems like a position historically that either a guy has it or doesn't. I've never heard a RB having to work on so many things or needing motivation lol. I think the coaching staff values his experience in the system to pass block more than anything, pure speculation. 

Anyone have examples of RB taking a bit to play better? 

[skinny21]

That's a good question wit (and not one I have an answer for, though I imagine there are some examples out there).  I do know that many/most backs struggle with pass pro and at least some take time to learn patience, how to care for their body, how to run in different schemes, etc.  

 

I'm torn on this 'debate'.  Jones can absolutely improve (and has) on certain things - patience, pad level, decisiveness, and ball security are some of the major examples - but I am just not sure how possible it is to improve one's vision.  

 

ES does have a habit (as TSO eluded to) of vilifying a player that isn't performing as we want with sweeping judgements, only to change our opinion.  Doughty, Paul, and Cousins are a few examples, though there are plenty others.  So I'm hopeful Jones can make his way into that category.  That 'vision' bit though... it does concern me a bit.  At the end of the day though, either he holds onto the starting gig for a while (because he deserves it), or he doesn't and we find someone that can fill the role.  It's not like we're squandering some great talent by playing Jones (or Kelley if we make a switch), so I'm happy to let it play out. 

[TSO]

2 hours ago, wit33 said:

Anyone have examples of RB taking a bit to play better? 

 

Just some recent ones who are doing well presently or in recent years, off the top of my head (all have various times of development, some shorter some longer, but all went through significant growing pains, sometimes even starting strong - like Jones - then fading out, coming back strong, etc...): 

Melvin Gordon, Tevin Coleman, Devonta Freeman, Latavius Murray, Justin Forsett, Jeremy Hill, Christine Michael, Lesean McCoy, Ryan Matthews, DeAngelo Williams and Chris Ivory. 

Then there are elite guys like Peterson who struggled with fumbles early in his career, granted he made up for it big time with his general production.

Marshawn Lynch wasn't always known as "Beast Mode" until late his first year with the Seahawks. He struggled with inconsistency on the field as well as issues off the field. 

Jonathan Stewart can be put up there with DeAngelo Williams. Both tore up the league that one year and then took a long time to get back to that, with years of mediocrity only to come back strong late in their careers now. 

There is a litany of RBs that took time. Many rookies show flashes, but take time to put it all together. Some more recent examples of that are Giovanni Bernard and Le'veon Bell. Some explode on to the scene, then are nowhere to be found, then have a resurgence and put it all together again. Like a Doug Martin or a Lagarrette Blount. 

I mean, there's a ton of different developmental trajectories for RBs. I'm surprised this is even questioned. 

 

19 minutes ago, skinny21 said:

hat 'vision' bit though... it does concern me a bit.  At the end of the day though, either he holds onto the starting gig for a while (because he deserves it), or he doesn't and we find someone that can fill the role.  It's not like we're squandering some great talent by playing Jones (or Kelley if we make a switch), so I'm happy to let it play out. 

 

This is a fair point. It's certainly concerning, especially when he gets to the second level in my opinion... but after seeing how he's looked in the 4th quarter of some of these games I have hope it's just a matter of experience. 

It is annoying he's taking this long. I get that, I really do. I'm sure the team is annoyed as well. 

But, man... if he gains that confidence, "gets it" and develops any level of consistency, it's going to be something to behold. That's what I have trouble giving up on. 

[Koolblue13]

@thesubmittedone I was on the Jones train this offseason. 

[wit33]

1 hour ago, thesubmittedone said:

 

Melvin Gordon, Tevin Coleman, Devonta Freeman, Latavius Murray, Justin Forsett, Jeremy Hill, Christine Michael, Lesean McCoy, Ryan Matthews, DeAngelo Williams and Chris Ivory. 

Marshawn Lynch wasn't always known as "Beast Mode" until late his first year with the Seahawks. He struggled with inconsistency on the field as well as issues off the field. 

Jonathan Stewart can be put up there with DeAngelo Williams. Both tore up the league that one year and then took a long time to get back to that, with years of mediocrity only to come back strong late in their careers now. 

 Some more recent examples of that are Giovanni Bernard and Le'veon Bell. Some explode on to the scene, then are nowhere to be found, then have a resurgence and put it all together again. Like a Doug Martin or a Lagarrette Blount. 

 

I actually think most of the guys you listed are who they are when they came out and it was opportunity and team that impacted production the most. Most describe running as a natural feel. 

Now, if you want to discuss pass pro, catching, route running and overall understanding of a scheme, sure, a lot of various trajectories. 

Stewart and Williams suffered injuries and played on poor teams often times throughout their careers. I dont think their running style or skill changed. 

AP runs the same he did at 18 years old lol. Though he still struggles to catch the ball and in pass pro. 

Lynch was a monster in Buffalo,  a knucklehead as well, but still was "beast mode" without the cool name and public acclaim that comes from being on a great team.

Your firstlist of guys who shouldnt include McCoy (he's much better than all thoae guys) are who they are, in my opinion. Some are good and play in a scheme that doesn't allow for 20+ touches every game, maybe that happens for them in the future and more production occurs. 

Bernard is who is, a talented but smaller type back who struggles between the tackles and staying healthy.

Bell had issues with staying in shape in college and early in his career a Pitt, but was still ultra talented and displayed the same skills and run style he does today. 

My overall point is I feel Matt Jones is who is from a running standpoint. I think he's an NFL player and borderline starter, but to think his running style or running skill will change is a stretch. Maybe I'm wrong. 

 

 

[TSO]

@wit33 Man, I don't know how to respond to that. Many of those guys had issues with patience behind the LOS, especially in their rookie years, and would bounce it outside too much. McCoy included. 

Some of them, like Coleman and Gordon were very tentative and not decisive when running the ball. 

A guy like Stewart dealt with a lot of injuries, but he'd also run tentatively. The injuries were probably a big part of that, but like some have mentioned here, it's possible Matt's issues are tied to that as well. 

I wouldn't call Marshawn a monster in Buffalo. He was good, but pretty inconsistent. I highly doubt the only reason Buffalo parted ways with him was because of his off the field problems. Teams are more patient than that with guys who are "monsters". 

I mean, we could go back and forth on this all day, man. I see guys start running with more decisiveness, more "natural feel" for their surroundings enough to know it's not some exception or anomaly. It happens. 

Don't get me wrong, I know what you're saying. I know it's the case more often than not with RBs... it is largely a plug and play position with the least amount of development time needed, since a lot of it is about natural running ability. But that doesn't mean it's always that way, or that it's even rare for it to take more time. Especially with someone like Jones who came into the NFL with little experience as is. 

We'll see if Matt is one of those guys. I hope so. 

 

@Koolblue13 What the heck was all of that playful back and forth this offseason between you and I regarding Matt Jones about then? I mean, for God's sake, you made a thread about him with an underlying negative tone, didn't you? 

You were on the Jones' train this offseason? Are you, like, counting one or two posts of you maybe being hopeful versus countless others of the opposite variety as being on the Jones' train? 

 I will legitimately believe I must be insane if it's proven you were all aboard. My wife will be pleased by this if true.   

[TSO]

@Koolblue13 You know what? I just want to say that I'd rather be wrong about Matt Jones and you be right, even if it means bad things for the Skins, than have any kind of lingering hard feelings between us. 

I want you to know I consider you a brother, and I know you've got a big heart. Even if Matt Jones occupies no space in it.

Ok sorry that one was too easy to pass on.  

I want you to know I forgive you for being an obnoxious ahole that won't shut up, and I hope you forgive me for being a wonderfully rational and generally awesome person.  

Seriously, all joking aside... I hope you can forgive me if I offended you in any way. I wouldn't blame you if you were, just know it was certainly not my intent.  

[Koolblue13]

13 minutes ago, thesubmittedone said:

@Koolblue13

Seriously, all joking aside... I hope you can forgive me if I offended you in any way. I wouldn't blame you if you were, just know it was certainly not my intent.  

Come on subs, you're my boy. I wouldn't get pissed at you (over something like this ). Football talk is fun. This is my escape. I deal with some truly awful awful things in life, your ridiculous blind faith in our soon to be benched disappointing failure of a running back would never upset me.

I was calling our offense "historically good" this offseason and that it hinged on Jones, which maaaay have a tad bit to do with my very slight overreacting to him doing so poorly.

That poll was supposed to be neutral. I believe I did make a "I don't think he can do it" Semi Pro movie reference though.

Guess I was right.

That ended up being a pita poll question conversation though.

I'm sticking to my point. Excellent 3rd down back. Not a starting RB.

I just don't like seeing you get so upset. You generally have such patience and a calming effect around here. I don't want to see your optimism crushed like mine has been. Besides, we've already got zoony for that.

[Califan007 The Constipated]

Hoo, boy....much like last week's defense performance, where the hell did that rushing game come from lol....Thank yew, Matt Jones, on that last play *thumbsup* (and a bunch of plays throughout the game).

[crabbypatty]

Jones proved me wrong on that last run. He doesn't make that sick cut upfield and get north and south immediately a few weeks ago. 

He's leaning, I'll give him that. I think fat Rob getting carries kinda lit a fire under Jones. Today was encouraging progress for him, hope it continues. There were several times where he set up a block and got skinny and upfield in a hurry. Impressive running for him today.

[chrisxcore]

Rob is pushing Jones & it's working.

This is exactly what was supposed to happen...Depth and potential starters from within.

Enjoy what you're watching folks. Scot's got this.

Well done #31 & #32!!

[Mr_ Skinshead]

Jones will only get better. He's raw and small tastes of success will only make him hungrier.