Pats sign former Rutgers, Dolphins DB Nathan Jones

[jmt57]

He also used to return kicks...maybe they want him to help out with that as well?

That would certainly be a welcome bonus - though I believe the Pats shortcomings in that area has as much or more to do with their blocking as it does with whomever is returning kicks.

 

[The Brandon Five]

That would certainly be a welcome bonus - though I believe the Pats shortcomings in that area has as much or more to do with their blocking as it does with whomever is returning kicks.

It might be that BB values a JAG corner who is an above average ST player over someone who is just a JAG corner...although the "sorry I wasn't perfect" tweet suggests that there were other issues with Adams or that the coaching staff was not pleased with his performance this week.

 

[randomk1]

And the balance of power in the AFC has just shifted.

 

[Uncle Rico]

I would trade him straight up for Revis right now.

I don't know; I've never heard anyone in the media call Revis "a good dude."

 

[PatsFan2]

Lets be honest guys anyone who pushes Sergio Brown one more notch down the DB dept chart is alright in my book.

 

[jmt57]

Hopefully he can avoid the injuries that derailed the last guy to wear his number with the Pats.

The photo makes me wonder if he had never met Belichick prior to this? I would assume he had, for a workout and interview prior to the signing. Or maybe he's just saying 'thanks for the opportunity, glad to be here'.


Some more on Jones: The book on Nate Jones - espnBoston.com

The 29-year-old Jones, a seventh-round pick (205th overall) of the Cowboys in the 2004 draft, has appeared in 101 games over an eight-year career. In 2010, he registered a career-high with 57 tackles while being utilized as both a safety (playing both free and strong positions late in the season for the Broncos) and slot corner. For a Patriots team that craves flexibility -- especially at two positions currently thinned by injuries to Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung -- Jones' ability to bounce between multiple spots, and contribute on special teams (59 career special teams tackles; has returned a handful of kicks) suggests he has a bigger chance to contribute to the gameday roster.

A couple things jump out about Jones' stats: He has twice as many career sacks (6) as interceptions (3) and both the Cowboys and Dolphins utilized him as a blitzer out of a nickel package. Heck, no one knows better than Brady, who got sacked by Jones during a 2007 meeting in Dallas. He's also forced three fumbles during his career.

 

[Horace's Ivories]

this guy is going to surprise!

 

[BlueThunder]

another veteran back there won't hurt....

 

[WhiZa]

Per Jeff Howe:

Pats sign defensive back Nate Jones. The thing that sticks out to me would be his 59 special teams tackles.

So perhaps the move has as much or more to do with special teams than it does with play in the secondary.

Considering our ST players are now starters he could end up starting this week.