The biggest name from Alabama football’s 2008 signing class is headed to Super Bowl 51.
Julio Jones continues to be a thorn in the side of the Green Bay Packers. After putting up a single-season record 259 receiving yards against Green Bay in 2014, the Atlanta Falcons’ star receiver burned the Packers’ secondary once again in Sunday’s NFC Conference title game. He caught nine passes from quarterback Matt Ryan for 180 yards and two touchdowns, propelling the Falcons to a 44-21 victory at the Georgia Dome.
JULIO JONES IS A BEAST.
73 yards all the way to the house! 😱 #GBvsATL #NFLPlayoffs https://t.co/Iau1EnDgVJ
— NFL (@NFL) January 22, 2017
While his 180 yards are fifth-most in conference championship game history, seven of Jones’ nine catches went for first downs. His 73-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter aided a 20-yard per catch average, and was his second longest play of the season. The four-time Pro Bowler has been nothing short of remarkable since entering the National Football League in 2011, and now he pursues his first Super Bowl championship.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
