It is uncertain on how long he will remain in Atlanta, but Julio Jones has given the Falcons everything it could want and more.
Since being selected in the first round (sixth pick) of the 2011 NFL Draft from the University of Alabama, the former All-Southeastern Conference receiver has served as the favorite target of Matt Ryan.
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Even in a dismal season – Falcons at 4-9 – Jones continues to turn in massive numbers as he becomes the first target in National Football League history to record five consecutive seasons with at least 1,400 yards receiving.
He entered today’s matchup with the Green Bay Packers at 1,323 yards; however, he’s caught eight passes for 106 yards with a pair of touchdowns in a 34-20 loss for the Falcons.
This puts the 2009 BCS national champion at 1,429 yards through 13 games.
Julio’s second TD of the day. pic.twitter.com/pxyfjsnk9C
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 9, 2018
Jones’ string of 1,400 yards campaigns started in 2014; the year he had 1,593 yards with six scores and was voted to his second Pro Bowl. His best season came the following year in 2015, where he led the NFL in receiving yards (1,875) while being its co-leader in receptions (136).
He has never won a Super Bowl, despite Atlanta getting to the stage versus the New England Patriots in 2016 and choking it away.
Jones dealt with contract issues prior to the start of the season, and though he has played anyway, one has to wonder if he’s grown tired of the team.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
