Patriots: Marcus Jones the one bright spot in loss vs Bills

New England Patriots rookie cornerback Marcus Jones is a surprise bright spot for this team as he impacts all sides of the ball.

The Patriots drafted Jones in the 3rd round of the 2022 draft, and since then, Jones has made quite the impact.

Football has three phases; offense, defense, and special teams, and the rookie cornerback has proved he can do them all.

Patriots rookie Marcus Jones thriving as a return specialist

Jones first made headlines when he returned an 84-yard punt for a touchdown to seal the win for the Patriots against the New York Jets in Week 11. Jones’ touchdown was the first punt return touchdown of the 2022 season.

Jones lined up to return kicks for the first time this season in the Patriots home opener against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3. He had two returns for 45 yards. He lined up to return punts for the first time this season in Week 4 against the Green Bay Packers. Jones averaged 24.5 yards on two returns. His first NFL punt return was for 29 yards in the second quarter, followed by a 20-yard return in overtime.

Jones currently has 18 kick returns for 451 return yards; he averages 25.1 yards on kick returns. His longest kick return is 46 yards. Jones also has 20 punt returns for 294 return yards, averaging 14.7 yards on punt returns. His longest punt return is 84 yards, his touchdown run.

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Seeing Jones line up on Patriots offense for the first time in the Thursday Night game against the Buffalo Bills was a surprise to many.

When Jones is not returning punts and kicks, he is usually on the defensive side of the ball. On his first offensive snap, Jones caught a short pass from quarterback Mac Jones and ran for a 48-yard touchdown. This was the first receiving touchdown from scrimmage by a defensive back since former New York Jet Marcus Colemon did so in 2000.

Jones had two targets and two receptions in the game.

Speaking on how the touchdown play came about, Jones stated:

"“It was one of those situations where it was a week thing, so Coach came and took me and asked me about different things and everything and then I mean, there isn’t too much to it after that. Just came in and tried to do it as Coach said.”"

Although Jones has yet to make a more significant impact on defense, he currently has six tackles, five solo and one assisted, and three passes defended. With Jones being a rookie, he is bound to make even more of an impact as his career continues.

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When asked about his comfort playing offense, defense, and special teams, Jones answered:

"“I’m definitely one of those people where I’m learning each and every day, so I’m not going to say that I know everything, because, as a rookie especially, you don’t know everything. New things come in, you have to absorb and just go.”"

With Jones being a bright spot this season, the Patriots drafting him in the third round is proving to be the right decision.