New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones is looking to have a bit of a bounce-back season after an injury limited him to only six games in 2021. The defensive back is important to the organization and is being noticed by coach Bill Belichick.
Jones went undrafted in 2016 and signed with the Patriots that year. Since then, he has become a key part of the secondary.
He is just two years removed from a season that saw him record 74 combined tackles and two interceptions. He established himself as a key piece of the secondary and was able to adjust to the role quickly.
His skills will be on full display Sunday, as he will be matched up with either Tyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle. It certainly won’t be an easy first assignment, as New England looks to win on the road.
Nevertheless, Belichick has nothing but praise for Jones, as transcribed by Greg Dudek of NESN.com.
“Jon’s a very versatile and important guy to our team since he came here, in the kicking game and defensively,” Belichick told reporters during his media availability on Tuesday. “He’s smart, he’s fast, he’s tough. All good things in the kicking game and all good things defensively, tackling, covering fast receivers, and making smart decisions inside and the nickel position, which is where things can get kind of complicated with bunch formations and run force and things like that. So very professional, works hard, pairs well and brings a high level of toughness, competitiveness and speed to our team.”
Jones will be an important, steadfast piece for a Patriots secondary looking for stability. New England is trying to reshape the secondary, and Jones could be a steady veteran presence as they work to do so.
