Things hit a low point for Velus Jones a few weeks ago against the Philadelphia Eagles. He’d failed to make an impact play of any kind since late October. Much of this was due to his inability to hang onto the ball consistently. He’d muffed two punt returns against New York and Washington. Then he dropped what should’ve been a long pass play from Justin Fields in Dallas. The Chicago Bears coaching staff started dialing back his opportunities for a while. Yet when injuries struck at wide receiver, they had no choice but to go back to him.
The low point came when he fumbled the ball in Eagles territory late in the 3rd quarter, costing Chicago a precious scoring opportunity. Most people were done with the 3rd round pick by that point, even as he continued emerging as a kick returner. Thankfully his turnaround seemed to come a week later when he torched Buffalo for 113 return yards and a pretty 50-yard catch on offense. A week later, his success continued with a 63-yard return against Detroit. Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower said Jones is earning the respect and excitement of his teammates.
“He’s definitely trending arrow-up in a really good direction,” Hightower said. “And his blockers, I can tell you they enjoy blocking for him. It’s different when you have a guy back there who you know can go to the house.”
Bears fans have eagerly thrown that his way. While some still use it, the accuracy of the statement isn’t true. The rookie now ranks among the NFL’s best in kick return average at 29.2 yards (2nd). Yes, it’s acknowledged that people expected Jones to be a greater factor in the passing game. He did too. Yet that hasn’t happened. He still needs work with his route-running and his hands remain inconsistent. Still, one can call it a minor victory if the Bears landed one of the best kick returners in football for the next few years.
If nothing else, give Velus Jones credit. It would’ve been easy for him to crumble after what happened most of the year. Many players don’t recover after making that many backbreaking mistakes. Their confidence is shot. The rookie never relented. He kept working and waited for the next opportunity. Now he seems to have a small groove going. If he can finish strong against Minnesota on Sunday, that might carry into next year. He remains a vital part of their future.
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