Why Matt Eberflus is right to call out one player after costly mistake
The mission going into the 2022 season for the Chicago Bears was to find answers across the roster. First-year head coach Matt Eberflus has been tasked with the responsibility of finding players that will contribute to the team’s future success. The difficult part of that process is pinpointing the pieces that don’t quite fit the […]
The mission going into the 2022 season for the Chicago Bears was to find answers across the roster. First-year head coach Matt Eberflus has been tasked with the responsibility of finding players that will contribute to the team’s future success.
The difficult part of that process is pinpointing the pieces that don’t quite fit the mold. One of those misfits appears to be rookie wide receiver Velus Jones Jr.
Rookie Mistake
Jones has had a disappointing rookie campaign in Chicago. In Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Jones coughed up his third fumble on the season.
Jones, who muffed two punts early in the year, has struggled with ball security ever since his arrival. It’s become such an issue that Eberflus called him out following the loss.
“Yeah, I don't like that,” Eberflus said in his postgame press conference. “I don't like it. I don't like when guys lose the football. It's not good. Guys have to do a better job securing the ball. Again, I’ll have to look at the tape, but when you’re in traffic you have to have five points of pressure against the ball and put your clasp hand over your over hand.”
Jones was drafted in the third round out of the University of Tennessee. In college, he was lauded for his game-breaking speed and abilities as a returner. However, each of his three fumbles came in losses decided by one score.
“I’m an aggressive runner, so I’m going to fight for extra yards instead of running out of bounds,” Jones explained. “I had one blocker out there, I think it was three (defenders). I tried to like split ‘em, but I’ve gotta put two hands on the ball. I think someone had ripped it out from the back. So, yeah, just focus on that ball security. The ball is everything.“
Ball security is job security as the saying goes. Jones has totaled just seven rushes for 48 yards on the season to go along with four receptions for 27 yards and one touchdown.
Chicago drafted Jones to surround Fields with a dynamic weapon, going as far as pairing their lockers next to each other in training camp. Unfortunately, all Jones has done since making his season debut is tumble down the depth chart and into the dog house.
Featured image via Daniel Bartel – USA TODAY Sports
