Patriots Versatile Marcus Jones Reveals Favorite Position
In late December, New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones heralded then-rookie cornerback Marcus Jones as a “Swiss Army Knife-type” player.
While the 24-year-old is happy to be one of the Patriots most multi-faceted weapons, he also made it clear that his first responsibility is to the preventive side of the ball.
“I’m always a defensive back. That’s the first thing,” Jones said during a Wednesday morning appearance on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football. “But like I said before, anywhere, you know, that’s needed for the team, I’m definitely down for it. But I’m a defensive back first.”
New England’s third-round draft selection (85 overall) in 2022 has become a contributor in all three of the game’s phases. Last season, he became the first NFL player since Deion Sanders to score a touchdown on defense, offense and special teams. Specifically, he was the first in 75 years to have a receiving touchdown, punt return touchdown, and an interception return touchdown in the same season.
Despite having seen the field for only 37 percent of the team’s defensive plays, Jones saw time as both a perimeter and slot cornerback. He logged 39 total tackles, seven passes-defensed, a fumble recovery and one interception returned 69 yards for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16.
Additionally, his speed and ability to recognize routes also allowed him to become a potential weapon out of the slot on offense in specialized packages. The 24-year-old caught all four of his targets for 78 yards, including a 48-yard touchdown in New England’s Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Though Jones’ skill set made him a natural fit for the role, he and the Pats spent valuable practice time perfecting his prowess on offense.
“It’s not a specific time. I can’t say that,” Jones said of his practice reps at receiver. “But all I know is that whenever it came down to it and coaches were telling me to do something, I was doing it. So, I can’t really calculate how much time and everything like that because it’s a long season.”
Still, Jones’ most significant contributions came in resurrecting what had been a dismal return game in 2021. At his core, he is a phenomenal athlete, with significant breakaway speed, as evidenced by his game-winning 84-yard punt return against the New York Jets in Week 11. Jones compiled 1,007 total return yards in 15 games played. The ex-Houston Cougar led the NFL in total punt return yards, as well as with a 12.5-yard punt return average. He also ranked seventh in the NFL with a 23.9-yard kickoff return average, while finishing fifth in total kick return yards.
For his efforts, Jones was voted to the Associated Press All-Pro first team as a punt returner, the only Patriots player to make first-or second-team All-Pro. He was also named as both an All-NFL and All-AFC punt returner by the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA.)
Though he may have been a rookie, Jones played with a wisdom and a skill set far beyond his years; thus making an indelible mark on the Patriots in all three phases of the game.
Exactly how that will translate into his duties for 2023 has yet to be determined. However, Jones is intent to make the most of every play, no matter which phase.
“My main thing is every play is a different play, as well,” added Jones. “So, just taking one play at a time and just building from there, because in this league you could be playing one play and out the next play. So, you have to take every snap seriously and just keep building.”
If his rookie campaign is indeed the start of things to come, it is evident that Marcus Jones is building a bright future in New England.
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