If the Dallas Cowboys want to have a top ten defense they
will need to get solid contributions from these young players. This defense
needs playmakers very much. Sean Lee is a legit playmaker and easily a top five
linebacker in the league. That is where the buck stops. Outside of Lee this
defense doesn’t have another player that offenses have to account for. That all
must change this year, starting with Bryon Jones.
Bryon Jones was a combine monster in 2015. He set a
record with is broad jump, ran a sub 4.40 forty-yard dash, and had a 40+ in
vertical. His physical attributes are chart topping but his production isn’t.
Jones has been a good safety in the Cowboys bend but don’t break defense. The
scheme doesn’t really allow him to go off script and gamble because he has to back
up the average corner backs that the Cowboys have.
This will be year three for Jones and the Cowboys need a
big year from him. Through the first two seasons of his career he has one
interception. I won’t place all that blame on him because this defense doesn’t
create many turnovers as a unit. With that said one interception in 32 games
doesn’t look good for Bryon Jones. Especially considering Jones passes the eye
test.
Bryon Jones does everything good but nothing great. He is
only in his third season so I’m hoping that he will turn the corner and be that
player maker the Cowboys need him to be. Jones is excellent in the box. He is
good in run support, plays tough against tight ends, and uses good instincts
when playing centerfield. I rarely see Bryon Jones out of position, or beat by
any wide receiver/tight end. I rarely see him making game changing plays
either. He isn’t tipping passes up into the air for interceptions. He isn’t anticipating
throws and under cutting routes for interceptions. Bryon Jones has to be the
playmaker in the secondary that can change the game for the Cowboys.
Losing Barry Church and JJ Wilcox this offseason put
Jones in the position as top veteran at the safety position. He and Scandrick
have the most starting experience in this secondary and the young guys will
look to both of them for answers. More importantly, Jones will have to account
for the inexperience of this young group while preforming his duties. This is a
huge year for Jones and I expect him to take it to the next level.
Coming out of college Jones was a hybrid safety/corner
back. His position wasn’t determined until the middle of the 2015 season. Prior
to that Jones played slot cornerback, outside cornerback, and some safety. The
Cowboys saw him as a safety and made him the full time starter midway through
that season. He has only had one offseason focusing on one positions and this
will make his second. After starting for a full season and playing on a team
that made the playoffs I think Jones understands how important he is to this
team. He saw Church and Wilcox leave via free agency, which should let him know
that he has a chance to solidify the position and his next contract. It also
shows him that the Cowboys trust him enough to bring in some rookies to back
him up. I expect a break out year for Bryon Jones. I can see 80 tackles, 4
interceptions, and 12 pass break ups. This defense needs him to step up and he
will.
Comments
Post a Comment