Las Vegas Raiders cornerbacks coach uses an interesting way to compare Jack Jones to Sauce Gardner
Last season, the Las Vegas Raiders made the switch from Josh McDaniels to Antonio Pierce in the middle of the season. One of Pierce's first moves as interim head coach was to take a gamble. It was a small one, but it eventually paid off big time. The Raiders strategically acquired cornerback Jack Jones from […]
Last season, the Las Vegas Raiders made the switch from Josh McDaniels to Antonio Pierce in the middle of the season. One of Pierce's first moves as interim head coach was to take a gamble. It was a small one, but it eventually paid off big time.
The Raiders strategically acquired cornerback Jack Jones from the waiver wire, a move that was not a significant financial risk. If Jones performed as anticipated, the team would secure a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback, a potential game-changer for their defense.
Despite initial reservations due to Jones' previous association with the New England Patriots, the Raiders' fan base quickly warmed up to him. This positive reception is a testament to Jones' potential and the team's successful recruitment.
Jones is not only improving but is already a standout player that the Raiders are building their secondary around. What's more, he embodies the spirit of the Raiders. He's starting to show signs of becoming a top player in the league at his position. While he may already believe he's there, I believe he's not far off. He's even drawing comparisons to a player many consider the best in the league.
"Different. Way different," cornerbacks coach Ricky Manning Jr. said when asked about the swag difference between Jones and Sauce Gardner. "Sauce is unique in how he does things. Also, he's six-foot-three, so their swag is going to already be literally different. But some of the same stuff as the confident corners are in this league. I want those guys to believe that they're the baddest in the world, right? And those two believe that, and they'll let you know. And that's just a start, so now you got to go out there and do it each and every day."
Manning Jr., who was previously with the New York Jets, played a significant role in their cornerbacks' success. Even Sauce Gardner, a rising star, could likely attribute some of his achievements to Manning Jr.'s guidance. This underscores Manning Jr.'s keen eye for talent and his ability to spot potential in players like Jack Jones.
While Jones may not yet be in the top-five cornerback level, his confidence and self-belief are unwavering. He is aware of his worth and is determined to continue improving, a mindset that could propel him to the top of his game.
