Thoughts on Jacoby Jones

[Daravenator]

Originally Posted by Ryan

Interesting how the Ravens guy disappeared when we started proving his "dramatic turnaround" claim wrong. I think he is trying to irritate us really.

Well, some of us have careers, family, and a Super Bowl parade to attend.

Irritate you? I thought it a legimate and serious question. Here's a guy basically run out of Houston on a rail, a guy many labeled a bust, a flop, a loser....and another team picks him up, dusts him off, and he winds up in the Pro Bowl, makes a game-tying late-second TD in a Divisional playoff, and scores two big TD's in a Super Bowl victory. And why did that happen? Why did he perform so much better in Baltimore than he did for the Texans?

Was it simply a change of scenery? Was it playing for a coach with a strong background in special teams, who saw something in him Kubiak did not? Was it mentoring by veteran players?

Seriously, how often does a guy get vilified and kicked out of town as a bum, and wind up a Pro Bowler, setting these NFL records in one year?

Longest kickoff return (108, tied)
Longest kickoff return in a Super Bowl (108)
Longest play in a Super Bowl (108)
Most all-purpose yards in a Super Bowl (289)

I do not think you have proven me wrong in any way, shape or form. The above speaks for itself.

[ThaShark316]

Originally Posted by Daravenator

Well, some of us have careers, family, and a Super Bowl parade to attend.

Irritate you? I thought it a legimate and serious question. Here's a guy basically run out of Houston on a rail, a guy many labeled a bust, a flop, a loser....and another team picks him up, dusts him off, and he winds up in the Pro Bowl, makes a game-tying late-second TD in a Divisional playoff, and scores two big TD's in a Super Bowl victory. And why did that happen? Why did he perform so much better in Baltimore than he did for the Texans?

Was it simply a change of scenery? Was it playing for a coach with a strong background in special teams, who saw something in him Kubiak did not? Was it mentoring by veteran players?

Seriously, how often does a guy get vilified and kicked out of town as a bum, and wind up a Pro Bowler, setting these NFL records in one year?

Longest kickoff return (108, tied)
Longest kickoff return in a Super Bowl (108)
Longest play in a Super Bowl (108)
Most all-purpose yards in a Super Bowl (289)

I do not think you have proven me wrong in any way, shape or form. The above speaks for itself.

The bold is what I think it was.

[htowntexans1985]

Jacoby became the go to guy for us to blame when we lost. He never caught on as a wide receiver due to his horrible route running and butter fingers. So when he started screwing up on Special Teams that was his downfall. And all ravens fans know he single handedly gift wrapped 7 points for yall last season. So I doubt it had anything to do with coaching. And He still sucks at wide receiver. All he is, is a one trick pony. He probably spends 90% of his practice time on Special Teams and only 10% on Offense. Therefore letting him study coverages. We expected more of his here. A player id like to compare him to is devin hester. Who also sucked on Offense but might get into the hall of fame on his return abilities.

[GP]

Originally Posted by Daravenator

Well, some of us have careers, family, and a Super Bowl parade to attend.

Irritate you? I thought it a legimate and serious question. Here's a guy basically run out of Houston on a rail, a guy many labeled a bust, a flop, a loser....and another team picks him up, dusts him off, and he winds up in the Pro Bowl, makes a game-tying late-second TD in a Divisional playoff, and scores two big TD's in a Super Bowl victory. And why did that happen? Why did he perform so much better in Baltimore than he did for the Texans?

Was it simply a change of scenery? Was it playing for a coach with a strong background in special teams, who saw something in him Kubiak did not? Was it mentoring by veteran players?

Seriously, how often does a guy get vilified and kicked out of town as a bum, and wind up a Pro Bowler, setting these NFL records in one year?

Longest kickoff return (108, tied)
Longest kickoff return in a Super Bowl (108)
Longest play in a Super Bowl (108)
Most all-purpose yards in a Super Bowl (289)

I do not think you have proven me wrong in any way, shape or form. The above speaks for itself.

Frankly, I think it has exposed a coaching and player management problem on our team.

I had thought that he was just incapable of doing anything other than the token reception for 15 yards and occasional TD on a return every other year. The playoff game vs. Ravens last year was the last straw.

Heading into the 2011 season, I thought Jacoby was going to have it all come together in 2011 with us. I was looking at his stats in the years prior, comparing them to David Anderson who was a role player at WR for us...two guys making WR contributions off-and-on over the years. I was convinced Jacoby would solidify himself as a playmaker in 2011. When the playoff blunder occurred, it was crushing for all of us. This team had invested so many years into helping him grow each year.

I do think that he's going to have moments of blunder with the Ravens. But the player who showed up in the playoffs this year was making plays at key moments, something he never did EVER with us.

The catch vs. Denver. The performance in the Super Bowl. It doesn't take 6 years for a guy to grow up in the NFL and get it right. No, he just found a team that hd the right mix of everything: Coaching, veteran leadership (as much as people bag on Ray Lewis, he IS a good on-the-field and in-the-locker-room leader there). It all came together for Jacoby.

I never saw it coming, not gonna' lie. I was thinking he was doomed. I even thought he would be a camp cut for you guys. Wow, what a turn-around. Few saw that degree of turn-around coming during camp last summer.

[JCTexan]

Originally Posted by Daravenator

Well, some of us have careers, family, and a Super Bowl parade to attend.

Irritate you? I thought it a legimate and serious question. Here's a guy basically run out of Houston on a rail, a guy many labeled a bust, a flop, a loser....and another team picks him up, dusts him off, and he winds up in the Pro Bowl, makes a game-tying late-second TD in a Divisional playoff, and scores two big TD's in a Super Bowl victory. And why did that happen? Why did he perform so much better in Baltimore than he did for the Texans?

Was it simply a change of scenery? Was it playing for a coach with a strong background in special teams, who saw something in him Kubiak did not? Was it mentoring by veteran players?

Seriously, how often does a guy get vilified and kicked out of town as a bum, and wind up a Pro Bowler, setting these NFL records in one year?

Longest kickoff return (108, tied)
Longest kickoff return in a Super Bowl (108)
Longest play in a Super Bowl (108)
Most all-purpose yards in a Super Bowl (289)

I do not think you have proven me wrong in any way, shape or form. The above speaks for itself.

Simple: He didn't perform better. His WR statistics were down across the board, his punt return statistics weren't better. The only area he performed better was kickoff duties and Jacoby didn't return kickoffs for the Texans last year. The Ravens didn't have a different Jacoby Jones this year, they have the exact same player the Texans released: a game changer that is a big risk, big reward player.

[sandman]

Originally Posted by Daravenator

Well, some of us have careers, family, and a Super Bowl parade to attend.

Irritate you? I thought it a legimate and serious question. Here's a guy basically run out of Houston on a rail, a guy many labeled a bust, a flop, a loser....and another team picks him up, dusts him off, and he winds up in the Pro Bowl, makes a game-tying late-second TD in a Divisional playoff, and scores two big TD's in a Super Bowl victory. And why did that happen? Why did he perform so much better in Baltimore than he did for the Texans?

Was it simply a change of scenery? Was it playing for a coach with a strong background in special teams, who saw something in him Kubiak did not? Was it mentoring by veteran players?

Seriously, how often does a guy get vilified and kicked out of town as a bum, and wind up a Pro Bowler, setting these NFL records in one year?

Longest kickoff return (108, tied)
Longest kickoff return in a Super Bowl (108)
Longest play in a Super Bowl (108)
Most all-purpose yards in a Super Bowl (289)

I do not think you have proven me wrong in any way, shape or form. The above speaks for itself.

Larry Brown was a Super Bowl MVP for the Cowboys.

Every post-season has an endearing story about a guy who plays way above what he normally does to help his team to glory.

Let's talk again after a few years and see what sustainability he has.

[Dread-Head]

Originally Posted by Daravenator

Well, some of us have careers, family, and a Super Bowl parade to attend.

Irritate you? I thought it a legimate and serious question. Here's a guy basically run out of Houston on a rail, a guy many labeled a bust, a flop, a loser....and another team picks him up, dusts him off, and he winds up in the Pro Bowl, makes a game-tying late-second TD in a Divisional playoff, and scores two big TD's in a Super Bowl victory. And why did that happen? Why did he perform so much better in Baltimore than he did for the Texans?

Was it simply a change of scenery? Was it playing for a coach with a strong background in special teams, who saw something in him Kubiak did not? Was it mentoring by veteran players?

Seriously, how often does a guy get vilified and kicked out of town as a bum, and wind up a Pro Bowler, setting these NFL records in one year?

Longest kickoff return (108, tied)
Longest kickoff return in a Super Bowl (108)
Longest play in a Super Bowl (108)Most all-purpose yards in a Super Bowl (289)

I do not think you have proven me wrong in any way, shape or form. The above speaks for itself.

THREE of the FOUR stats you're quoting....are the SAME damn play!!!! You've yet to prove yourself RIGHT. IF one game makes you the greatest player in the history of football Larry Brown of the Dallas Cowboys should be in Canton right now getting fitted for a gold jacket and a ring...OH WAIT...he had one great Superbowl against a MEDIOCRE Steeler QB who threw him three interceptions in less than 5 minutes. Don't start preparing Judas for enshrinement in the Hall of Fame just yet.

[sandman]

Originally Posted by Dread-Head

THREE of the FOUR stats you're quoting....are the SAME damn play!!!! You've yet to prove yourself RIGHT. IF one game makes you the greatest player in the history of football Larry Brown of the Dallas Cowboys should be in Canton right now getting fitted for a gold jacket and a ring...OH WAIT...he had one great Superbowl against a MEDIOCRE Steeler QB who threw him three interceptions in less than 5 minutes. Don't start preparing Judas for enshrinement in the Hall of Fame just yet.

Do you know what Jacoby did with the other five kickoff returns in the game?

Averaged 23 yards per return, and because he took all of them out of the end zone, gave his team average starting field position at their own 21. He never got the ball past the 28 yard line.

Home runner hitters usually have a high strike out ratio...

[Vance87]

Originally Posted by Dread-Head

THREE of the FOUR stats you're quoting....are the SAME damn play!!!!

Hahaha...that's exactly what I thought

[HouTx11]

Originally Posted by Daravenator

I realize most, if not all, Houston Texans fans soured on Jacoby Jones, especially after he muffed the punt in the AFC Divisional Playoff game in Baltimore last year. Although he showed signs of greatness, he seemed to have trouble with drops while playing for the Texans.

So he was released, the Ravens signed him, and he went on to the Pro Bowl, caught a huge pass to tie the game against the Broncos in the AFC Divisional Playoff game, and made a comeback 56 yard catch for a TD and returned a second half-opening kickoff for a record 109 yards in the Super Bowl.

So, do you think he simply had "issues" while playing for the Texans, or was he simply not coached properly? It seems awfully odd that a player would have such a dramatic fall and rise so quickly in the span of one season. Had he remained a Texan, do you think he would have accomplished what he did this year, or would he have been a bust?

First of all sir congratulations on your team! They played with heart and they truly wanted to win it all! And I am very happy that Jacoby Jones has worked out well for you guys, although I for one am not surprised that it happened.

To answer your first question, Jacoby had issues dropping passes, but he has always had the ability to be a big playmaker. Unfortunately, the Texans fanbase saw his mistakes that sometimes happened (it wasn't like he was the only one screwing up out there) as "the" biggest problem on the team so he was considered public enemy #1 here in Houston. Jacoby didn't handle that well, which made matters worse and likely affected his play. The fumble against the Ravens was the final nail in the coffin. Even though T. J. Yates threw up INT after INT later in the game (including the one very late in the 4th quarter), there are many in Houston that amazingly believe that Jones' mistake early in the 1st quarter single handedly costed the Texans the game.

He needed to be somewhere where every move he made wasn't instantly criticised! He found that with the Ravens. With all of the day to day criticism lifted, he was able to step his game up, and now he and the Ravens have their 2nd SB ring! So in a way, Ravens fans owe it to the critical Texan fans, because you guys might not have the new rings right now had Jacoby not been ran out of Houston.

As for your 2nd question, if Jacoby had stayed in Houston he would not have a ring right now, because we now know for sure that the Texans' issues preventing them from reaching the big game were/are FAR FAR bigger than anything Jacoby ever did!

[ESAD2-14]

Originally Posted by Daravenator

Well, some of us have careers, family, and a Super Bowl parade to attend.

Irritate you? I thought it a legimate and serious question. Here's a guy basically run out of Houston on a rail, a guy many labeled a bust, a flop, a loser....and another team picks him up, dusts him off, and he winds up in the Pro Bowl, makes a game-tying late-second TD in a Divisional playoff, and scores two big TD's in a Super Bowl victory. And why did that happen? Why did he perform so much better in Baltimore than he did for the Texans?

Was it simply a change of scenery? Was it playing for a coach with a strong background in special teams, who saw something in him Kubiak did not? Was it mentoring by veteran players?

Seriously, how often does a guy get vilified and kicked out of town as a bum, and wind up a Pro Bowler, setting these NFL records in one year?

Longest kickoff return (108, tied)
Longest kickoff return in a Super Bowl (108)
Longest play in a Super Bowl (108)
Most all-purpose yards in a Super Bowl (289)

I do not think you have proven me wrong in any way, shape or form. The above speaks for itself.

Sometimes that's what it takes for some people to get it. Perhaps in Jacoby's situation that is what happened, perhaps not.

You have got to watch him for one year, we had four. He had his opportunities here and did not capitalize on them. A lot of people were expecting him to have a break out year at some point, it never happened. he had a problem with dropping punts while he was here, which came to a climax in last years playoff game (Ravens). For many that was the "nail in the coffin" as far as his career in Houston was concerned. I doubt there were to many that were surprised when he became a salary cap cut, even if they did want him to stay.

I can personally say that when ever I saw him going to catch a punt I was worried he would drop it, every time. My family got to calling him 50/50 Jones because we never knew. We also knew that he could break one and take it the house, but the fumbles seemed to be hurting the Texans more than the kick returns were helping.

However, none of these means that the Texans know what they are doing on special teams right now.

[Texecutioner]

Originally Posted by GP

I see Barney Fife is on the streets of Mayberry again.

Rounding up suspects.

Normally I'd respond to Barney's bull****. But I'll just be Andy and smile at him while I read the newspaper and let him work himself into a tizzy.

Go on, 'Barn. Let us know how it goes with the case of The Broken Window At Floyd's Barber Shop.

You make it so easy.

[ATXtexanfan]

Jacoby on SI cover, dope

[BullBlitz]

Originally Posted by ATXtexanfan

Jacoby on SI cover, dope

That is awesome. Good for him. I really enjoyed watching Jacoby have a good season. The only disappointing thing was that he didn't have a good game vs the Texans.

Maybe next year, with the game in Baltimore, he will. I, for one, will be pulling for him.

[htowntexans1985]

Originally Posted by BullBlitz

That is awesome. Good for him. I really enjoyed watching Jacoby have a good season. The only disappointing thing was that he didn't have a good game vs the Texans.

Maybe next year, with the game in Baltimore, he will. I, for one, will be pulling for him.

Why would you want him to have a good game against the texans?

[imatexan]

I will say I was very wrong about him messing up in the big game, he did very much the opposite.

[handswarmer]

Maybe, just maybe, getting cut/released/whaever by the Texans FORCED JJ to grow the heck up and mature in to a total player.

[htowntexans1985]

Originally Posted by handswarmer

Maybe, just maybe, getting cut/released/whaever by the Texans FORCED JJ to grow the heck up and mature in to a total player.

He didnt mature or grow into anything. He's still the butter hands and occasional homerun Player he was when he was with us. The stats say it all. He bobbled multiple punt returns as well Sunday. If a 49er would have been their to blast him either time, it would have been a whole different outcome.

[BullBlitz]

Originally Posted by handswarmer

Maybe, just maybe, getting cut/released/whaever by the Texans FORCED JJ to grow the heck up and mature in to a total player.

That is certainly the version that the Texans would have you believe, because it relieves them of the responsibility of not having coached him and their special teams, as well as the embarrassment of releasing a player who went on to score two Super Bowl TDs the following season.

The fact is that Jacoby was no rookie. He was the virtually the same NFL-experienced player in 2011 as he was in 2012. The difference was that the Ravens were able to coach both Jacoby, and the special teams surrounding him, to be more effective against the opposition than the Texans were.

[handswarmer]

Originally Posted by Daravenator

Well, some of us have careers, family, and a Super Bowl parade to attend.

I stayed home with the a sick daughter and watched on TV....