Post by Guvmintcheeze on Sept 15, 2015 2:22:48 GMT
Julio Jones gives Falcons their money's worth in opener
ATLANTA – Julio Jones gave everyone their money’s worth, including team owner Arthur Blank.
The two-time Pro Bowl receiver was everything the Atlanta Falcons hoped he would be in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles at the Georgia Dome. No matter the final outcome, Jones showed his game-changing ability with a dominating performance that probably would have been even better had he not come out of the game occasionally in the second half.
Jones, who was rewarded with a contract extension through 2020 that included $47 million guaranteed, recorded his 20th career 100-yard receiving game in the Falcons’ 26-24 triumph. He finished with nine receptions for 141 yards and two touchdowns to give the Falcons just enough breathing space. Jones made easy work of Eagles cornerback Byron Maxwell, who tried to match him at times.
Although coach Dan Quinn’s new and improved defense set the tone early with a fast and physical style of play – a defense that clinched the game with free safety Ricardo Allen’s late interception off a bobbled ball by Eagles receiver Jordan Matthews – Jones made the offense flow on a night quarterback Matt Ryan was a little off his game. Ryan utilized quick screens and play action to find Jones down the field.
Jones ran great routes and made tough catches look routine. He certainly looked comfortable moving around to different receiver spots in offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s scheme. Plus Jones was sent in motion numerous times, which kept the Eagles on their heels.
Jones became the sixth player since 1990 to reach at least 100 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions in a Monday night opener since 1990. The others were Calvin Johnson (2014), Wes Welker (2011), Ed McCaffrey (1999), Jerry Rice (1994), and Alvin Harper (1993).
Jones should be a matchup nightmare throughout the season, as expected. Next week’s game against the Giants in New York should be another showcase, with no one on the Giants capable of keeping up with him.
Monday’s win had fans leaving the Georgia Dome saying, ``We’re going to the Super Bowl.’’ That’s stretching things a bit, but the Falcons definitely have a Super-star in Jones.
ATLANTA – Julio Jones gave everyone their money’s worth, including team owner Arthur Blank.
The two-time Pro Bowl receiver was everything the Atlanta Falcons hoped he would be in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles at the Georgia Dome. No matter the final outcome, Jones showed his game-changing ability with a dominating performance that probably would have been even better had he not come out of the game occasionally in the second half.
Jones, who was rewarded with a contract extension through 2020 that included $47 million guaranteed, recorded his 20th career 100-yard receiving game in the Falcons’ 26-24 triumph. He finished with nine receptions for 141 yards and two touchdowns to give the Falcons just enough breathing space. Jones made easy work of Eagles cornerback Byron Maxwell, who tried to match him at times.
Although coach Dan Quinn’s new and improved defense set the tone early with a fast and physical style of play – a defense that clinched the game with free safety Ricardo Allen’s late interception off a bobbled ball by Eagles receiver Jordan Matthews – Jones made the offense flow on a night quarterback Matt Ryan was a little off his game. Ryan utilized quick screens and play action to find Jones down the field.
Jones ran great routes and made tough catches look routine. He certainly looked comfortable moving around to different receiver spots in offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s scheme. Plus Jones was sent in motion numerous times, which kept the Eagles on their heels.
Jones became the sixth player since 1990 to reach at least 100 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions in a Monday night opener since 1990. The others were Calvin Johnson (2014), Wes Welker (2011), Ed McCaffrey (1999), Jerry Rice (1994), and Alvin Harper (1993).
Jones should be a matchup nightmare throughout the season, as expected. Next week’s game against the Giants in New York should be another showcase, with no one on the Giants capable of keeping up with him.
Monday’s win had fans leaving the Georgia Dome saying, ``We’re going to the Super Bowl.’’ That’s stretching things a bit, but the Falcons definitely have a Super-star in Jones.