Top five reasons Patriots’ fans should be thankful this year

What Patriots fans should be thankful for: #2

Defensive backs with the last name Jones

I know, the “keeping up with the Jones” is a tired line. But week in and week out, these guys are making plays and I’m thankful. Whether it’s Jack Jones with a pick-six on Aaron Rodgers, Jonathan Jones blocking a punt that leads to a touchdown, or Marcus Jones with a punt return touchdown to beat the Jets, these Jones dudes are balling for New England in 2022.

While it’s unclear what the future holds for Jon, it looks like he has the chops to be a great outside cornerback in this league. Until now, we’ve known him as a tremendous slot corner, but he’s made a leap this year that not all of us saw coming. Speaking of outside corners, fourth round rookie Jack has played lights-out on the outside and boasts the athleticism (and confidence) needed to excel against the game’s top receivers.

Marcus is the cherry on top. Drafted ahead of Jack, the third round rookie was expected to serve as a slot cornerback on a rotational basis and as a big contributor in the return game. After all, he was the best return man in college football last season. He even shares the NCAA record with nine career touchdown returns (six kickoff returns, three punt returns). He showed the NFL in Week 11 that he was worth the third round pick, with a game-winning punt return touchdown with mere seconds remaining on the clock. The future is bright with the Joneses.