In only his fifth game as the Ravens’ primary kick returner, wide receiver Jacoby Jones has practically solidified his place on the AFC Pro Bowl Roster.
The Ravens lead the NFL in return average (29.4) and that’s primarly at the hands of Jones, who has earned the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award twice for his efforts this season.
Jones may be in line to win the award for consecutive weeks as he returned a Drew Butler punt 63 yards Sunday night in Pittsburgh for his third special teams touchdown of the year.
Jones’ touchdown put the Ravens ahead of the Steelers 10-7 and would prove to be the difference-maker as neither team found the end zone for the remainder of the evening. The teams would go on to add a field goal apiece as the Ravens squeaked out the 13-10 win.
While a Pro Bowl appearance has basically been relegated to a free vacation and a bonus incentive in most players’ contracts, the achievement would be great for Jones as it would be his first career visit to the Pro Bowl and probably would make him a part of the NFL’s final class to participate in the failed version of an All-Star game.
Thus far, Jones’ special teams numbers break down like this:
|
Attempts |
Net Yards |
Avg. Yards |
Touchdowns |
TD Distance |
|
|
Punt |
16 |
189 |
11.8 |
1 |
63 |
|
Kick |
16 |
598 |
37.4 |
2 |
108, 105 |
Usually Pro Bowl special teams returners excel in only one area, but Jones has made an impact in both.
For comparison purposes (due to the NFL’s decision to move the kickoff from the 30-to the 35-yard line out of concerns for player safety) here are the statistics from last year’s Pro Bowl returners.
AFC – Marc Mariani – Tennessee Titans – Wide Receiver/Kick Returner:
|
Attempts |
Net Yards |
Avg. Yards |
Touchdowns |
TD Distance |
|
|
Punt |
46 |
490 |
10.7 |
1 |
79 |
|
Kick |
32 |
748 |
23.4 |
0 |
N/A |
NFC – Devin Hester – Chicago Bears – Wide Receiver/Kick Returner
|
Punt |
28 |
454 |
16.2 |
2 |
82, 69 |
|
Kick |
33 |
723 |
21.9 |
1 |
98 |
In 2010, neither Pro Bowl kick returners Josh Cribbs (AFC) or Johnny Knox (NFC) scored a touchdown during a return; their average return yardage also isn’t as good as Jones even with an extra five-yards of running room.
It’s unlikely the Ravens will be sending five players to Honolulu as they did last season, due to injuries, overall performance, and lack of use of former All-Pro players, but Jones is on the fast-track to participate.
Given the lack of effort most players put into the actual Pro Bowl game itself, there is a good chance Jones could find pay-dirt once more.
Known for his wacky end zone celebrations, Jones will probably have a spiced up version of the Hula ready to debut for the Hawaiian locals.
