Film Breakdown: Jamarco Jones Shows ‘Special Savvy’ at Right Guard
Following the Seahawks second offensive possession in Thursday night's pivotal NFC West matchup with the Rams, veteran guard D.J. Fluker exited with a hamstring injury, putting the team in a serious bind.
Key reserve Ethan Pocic, who started in place of left guard Mike Iupati in Week 1 and offers substantial starting experience at three different positions, wasn’t available with a neck injury. Jordan Simmons landed on injured reserve during the preseason and fourth-round pick Phil Haynes remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list, leaving the team short-handed at both guard spots.
Lacking depth in the interior due to the plethora of injuries, Seattle unexpectedly threw reserve tackle Jamarco Jones into the lineup at right guard, a position he had never played in a game previously at any level of football. With only a handful of practice reps under his belt at the spot, it appeared to be a bold, gutsy move necessitated by desperation.
But Jones, who the Seahawks drafted in the fifth round out of Ohio State two years ago, didn't look out of position once he took the field. He held his own and then some against a stout Rams defensive front headlined by perennial All Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald making a surprisingly smooth transition under tough circumstances.
“He survived it." coach Pete Carroll said on Friday. "I think it’s a remarkably good showing for him and for us going forward. As for our depth and all of that, he’s healthy and ready to go. We have a kid chomping at the bit to be part of it. Our coaches have always trusted him from the start."
Looking like a natural at a foreign position, Jones registered a 95 percent pass win rate according to ESPN Stats and Info, displaying a "special savvy" in helping lead the Seahawks to a monumental 30-29 victory.
What allowed Jones to be so successful amid a challenging situation? And did his performance actually live up to the hype?
Check out my latest film breakdown as I share five observations from Jones's extended run at right guard against the Rams.
