San Diego Chargers: Jacoby Jones is a difference maker

Last season the San Diego Chargers ranked 10th in the league in passing yards per game with 256.1 yards per game. And while that is a respectable ranking, the Bolts could have done better considering none of their receivers went for over 1,000 yards (something that hasn’t happened much in recent seasons).

With the potential loss of Eddie Royal to free agency, many speculated the Bolts to sign a high-priced free agent receiver or draft a young stud out of college. The draft has yet to occur, but the Bolts did make a move with a big free agent signing this off-season.

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After being let go by the Baltimore Ravens after a three-year tenure, Jacoby Jones is now with the San Diego Chargers.

According to the Baltimore Sun’s Aaron Wilson, “Former Ravens wide receiver and kick returner Jacoby Jones has signed a two-year contract with the San Diego Chargers. The deal is worth $5.5 million, according to a league source.”

The fact that Jones had multiple drops/fumbles to start off the year (four fumbles with two recovered by the opposing defense) combined with a $750,000 salary cap savings were reason enough for Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome and owner Steve Bisciotti to cut Jones.

Originally out of Lane College in Tennessee, Jones didn’t actually start playing organized football until he was a junior in high school. However, when he did start to play, college scouts could already see is potential.

While at Lane, Jones was as dynamic as they come.

Oct 26, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Bengals defeated the Ravens 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

According to CBSSports.com, “Jones started all 43 games that he appeared in at Lane. He caught 200 passes for 2,750 yards (13.8 avg) and 21 touchdowns while rushing 22 times for 147 yards (6.7 average) and a score. He returned 49 punts for 548 yards (11.2 average) and a touchdown, adding four scores on 91 kickoff returns for 1,937 yards (21.3 average). He also completed all three pass attempts for 105 yards and a touchdown, recorded seven tackles (six solos) with an assisted sack for minus-eight yards and blocked three kicks. He finished his career with a school-record 5,380 all-purpose yards.”

The former three-time All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) selection was drafted in the third round, 73rd overall by the Houston Texans due to his excellent receiving and returning abilities while at Lane.

For five seasons in Houston, Jones was an average receiver, catching 127 passes for 1,741 yards and 11 touchdowns with his best season coming in 2010 with a career-high 51 catches for 562 yards and three touchdowns.

His true value came in the return game though, averaging 10.2 yards per punt return and 23.3 yards per kickoff return with three punt return touchdowns and one kick return touchdown. It wasn’t until his three-year career in Baltimore in which Jones’ abilities really shined through.

During his time in Maryland, Jones punt return abilities never wavered, in fact in 2013 he returned 19 punts for 237 yards and a 12.5 yards per punt average (with a touchdown in 2012). And even though he was a good punt returner, Jones was most effective returning kicks.

Over three seasons, Jones took back 101 kicks for 3,037 yards and four touchdowns for an average of 30.1 yards per return. His two touchdowns off of kick returns in 2012 and one in 2014 ranked first in the NFL. In fact, Jones even had a kick return for a touchdown in the 2012 Super Bowl that sealed the Ravens championship win.

His two touchdowns and 147 yards receiving in the playoffs that year were also hugely instrumental to the Ravens second franchise super bowl ring.

With that kind of experience and statistical excellence in the return game, it was hard for Tom Telesco to not sign Jones.

According to the same piece by Wilson in the Baltimore Sun, “One of our off-season goals was to improve our special teams, specifically upgrading our return game,” Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said in a statement. “We feel Jacoby brings a dynamic aspect to our kick and punt returns that we need, and he also has solid experience playing wide receiver.”

Dec 7, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) gestures during the first quarteragainst the New England Patriots at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Jones’ signing with the Chargers was not only a huge move for the passing game with Philip Rivers, but also for the Bolts’ special teams game.

Chris “kick-six” Davis averaged 25.1 yards per return on 19 kickoff returns in 2014. And while that average is above the league’s average, the Bolts ranked 22nd in kickoff returns in 2014. The Ravens ranked first for one reason: Jones.

Now San Diego has Baltimore’s secret weapon and can really wreak some havoc on the AFC West. Chris Davis can concentrate finally on his corner back duties and not have to worry about returning kicks.

Jones’ signing also helps the Chargers in that Jones is a huge down-field threat. As evidenced by Joe Flacco’s Hail Mary touchdown against Denver in the 2012 AFC Divisional Playoff, Jones can make magic down the field. As well, Jones can make magic on the dance floor considering he was a contestant on Dancing with the Stars.

This deep threat will open up the middle of the field for Eddie Royal, Keenan Allen and Antonio Gates to work their intermediate routes. If Jones isn’t open for a bomb down the field, Rivers will have the ability to check down to some of his other receivers.

Overall, the price of $5.5 million for two seasons is a way better deal than Baltimore received with Jones. I believe the Bolts got a steal with this one and I can see Jones having an immediate impact if he can remain healthy.

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