New England Patriots Kick-Off In 95 Days: Profiling No. 95 Chandler Jones
Opening day countdowns are great. So are player profiles. Here at Musket Fire, we decided to combine them and create a Week 1 countdown-oriented, jersey number-dictated player profile series. Yesterday, we looked at No. 96, Sealver Siliga. Because today marks 95 days until the New England Patriots open the 2015 regular season, we are profiling No. 95, defensive end Chandler Jones.
Jones’ 2013 total of 11.5 sacks has been sandwiched by six-sack seasons in 2012 and 2014. Jones would have passed double digits last year if it weren’t for a hip injury that forced him out of six regular season games.
Arguably the most talented all-around athlete on the Patriots roster, Jones is primed for a true break out campaign in 2015. The Pats’ revamped front seven is good news and then some for Jones, as opposing offensive lines won’t be able to key-in on him without taking a major protection risk.
Simply put, Jones ought to see plenty of one-on-one matchups this year and he will take full advantage. Beating his 2013 sack total is a reasonable goal for Jones in 2015.
It’s worth noting that Jones is quickly becoming one of the NFL’s best field goal blockers. Remember this doozy from Week 2 against the Vikings?
Don’t forget that supreme athletic ability runs in the Jones family. Brother Arthur is a standout defensive lineman for the Colts, and brother Jon is a mixed martial artist for the UFC.
It’s becoming increasingly evident that Jones is one of the most popular players on the Patriots. He recently appeared on set for a Bob’s Discount Furniture commerical that will air later this summer.
One last plug on Jones: in the very best of worlds, he will be a candidate for 2015 Defensive Player of the Year honors. He’s just that good.
In case you missed them, here are the profiles for No. 97 Alan Branch, No. 98 Antonio Johnson, and No. 99 Dominique Easley.
Be sure to check back on Musket Fire tomorrow morning as we celebrate 94 days until Week 1 by profiling the two owners of the No. 94 jersey right now, Chris Jones and Chris White.