Patriots Marcus Jones On His Role on Offense: “I’m a Defensive Back First”
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Patriots 2022 draft selection Marcus Jones had quite the rookie campaign for the club after the Patriots selected him in the 3rd round (85th overall), making an impact in nearly every role he played last season.
The defensive back out of the University of Houston ended up being a key member of the defense down the stretch and overall finished last year with two interceptions in his first season as a member of the New England Patriots, including one he returned for a touchdown. He also shined in the return game, with his 84-yard punt return for a score in Week 11 against the Jets being the game-winner, electrifying everyone in Gillette Stadium as the Patriots came away with a much-needed Division win thanks to his effort.
While Jones’ prowess on defense and in the return game was part of the buzz coming out of college, the fact he played some snaps on offense during his collegiate career ended up carrying over to the NFL. He found his number called a few times last season, catching four passes for 78 yards including a touchdown as the rookie showcased his incredible speed during a year where the Patriots needed all the explosiveness they could get on that side of the football.
Those flashes have had some wondering if Jones should potentially consider moving over the offensive side of the football on a more full-time basis, but Jones shot that notion down during an episode of “Good Morning Football” on Tuesday.
“I’m always a defensive back, that’s the first thing,” said Jones via Patriots.com. “But, like I said before, anywhere that’s needed by the team, I’m definitely down for it. But I’m a defensive back first.”
Jones also discussed what it’s been like playing for head coach, Bill Belichick, with Jones saying that he’s learned a lot so far, while talking about what a great job Belichick does of emphasizing how important it is to just stay in the moment.
“It’s one of those situations to where he’s one of the best coaches to ever coach in the National Football League,” said Jones. “He just teaches the importance of basically taking one play at a time. Things that happen in the past, just flush it down the drain and just keep going from there and just making sure that you don’t get complacent.”
“There will be one play that you do good, but the next play, it could be a bad play. But just don’t worry about that, and just keep stacking good plays.”
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