Jonathan is certainly not the same type of player as Gilmore, or even Logan Ryan or Malcolm Butler before him. But he’s proven to be one of the most versatile players Bill Belichick has ever coached, which is saying something because the Pats have always put a premium on versatility. Jonathan only further proved that by playing mostly outside corner in 2022, after playing much of his career in the slot. But he still lines up in the box and/or as a safety, while remaining a fixture on special teams.
“Yeah, Jon’s always been great,” Belichick said Friday. “He started off in the kicking game, worked his way into roles defensively, and now is on the field a lot defensively. But, I mean it’s been since pretty early, maybe his third year, he always had leadership in the kicking game and then defensively, that’s kind of grown as his play time and his role has grown. But yeah, he’s great, he’s tough, well-prepared, smart kid.
“A good player and really good off the field preparation and communication.”
Patriots defensive back #31 Jonathan Jones celebrates a 2nd quarter interception. (Syndication: The Providence Journal)
Hard Lessons
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 24: Justin Fields #1 of the Chicago Bears runs with the ball during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 24, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
In the wake of Justin Fields and the Bears gashing the Patriots with designed quarterback runs, it’s fair to wonder if they learned the hard way how much they have to fix.
Ehlinger isn’t exactly like Fields or Lamar Jackson, as more of a power-based runner at the quarterback position. That may suit the Patriots defense better, with thumpers like Matthew Judon and Ja’Whaun Bentley in the front-seven. But just the same, the defense has a chance on Sunday to prove it corrected the mistakes of that Bears loss. And it’s been important for them to prepare for what they already know, and if they see something new, adjust quickly.
“It’s tough chasing ghosts,” Judon said last week. “We have to defend what hurt us, and what hurt us in the Baltimore and [Bears games] is quarterback runs. When that shows up, we have to have a counter to them, so that’s what we’re working on, that’s what we’re building. But you can’t just expect the unexpected. That’s why we play the game. That’s why we don’t practice together and we play the game, and it’s new wrinkles in everybody’s system.”
Barmore’s Impact
Dec 6, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Christian Barmore (90) reacts to a defensive play against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Sophomore defensive tackle Christian Barmore has been a major loss for the Patriots’ defensive interior over the last couple of weeks. It really showed up in the Bears game, and less so against the Jets last week, but his mere presence on the defensive line gives the Pats a level of explosiveness that no one on the roster can replicate.
Barmore returned to practice this week, as he works his way back from a knee injury. He’s officially questionable for Sunday. His return would be much-welcomed, especially from his teammates.
“He does a great job of getting vertical in the passing game and shutting down two gaps, shutting down both gaps in the run,” Deatrich Wise said of Barmore on Friday. “So, we’re looking forward to getting him back out there. He brings a lot of joy on the sideline.”
Brace Yourself … A Punt Return Touchdown Is Coming
Oct 9, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones (25) breaks a tackle from Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (44) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Marcus Jones was one of the most prolific returners in college football, and he’s quickly parlayed that into the primary return role on the Patriots. He took one for 32 yards last Sunday against the Jets, and it feels as though it’s only a matter of time before he takes one all the way to the end zone.
But Jones knows, and has probably had it drilled through his skull at this point, that he needs to maintain a short memory. That’s especially true for a returner, who can’t dwell on past mistakes or distract themselves with success. But Jones can feel that touchdown coming, any minute.
“In due time, it’s definitely gonna come, but just taking it one play at a time, that’s the main thing,” Marcus said Friday. “Reset, because whatever you did in the past is the past, you only got to worry about the present and then going on from there.”
History Watch
Oct 30, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty (32) reacts after intercepting a pass during the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Devin McCourty made two interceptions against the Jets last week. If he can find a way to pull down two more against the Colts, he’d become the first Patriot to make two picks in consecutive games since Mike Haynes in 1976. Coincidentally, Haynes’ games also came against the Jets and Colts. That would be the Baltimore Colts. Little basket of nuggets for the football nerds and historians out there.
