In an age where players would rather holdout and play the waiting game in order to get the money they want, it’s a breath of fresh air to see someone like Julio Jones who’s willing to show up and earn his money on the field. It came as a surprise to some to see Jones attend training camp despite looking for a new contract, but if you’ve been following his career the former Alabama standout isn’t afraid to bet on himself.
“I’m not ever going to lie to you, I’m going crazy this year,” said Jones to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Wednesday. “I’m going crazy. I’ve been doing everything that I need to do. I’m taking care of my body. Physically and mentally, I’ll be ready to go.”
Now, “going crazy” for some receivers would be to break out for a 1,500 yard. But Jones has a loftier goal than just putting up 1,500 yards this season. He’d rather double it.
“Well, I’m not a prediction-type guy, but I might mess around and go three (thousand), you know what I’m talking about,” said Jones.
Jones’ career-high in yards for a single season is 1,871 which sits number two all-time behind Calvin Johnson’s record of 1,964 which he set back in 2012.
In order for Jones to obtain his goal, he’d have to figure out a way to scrap an extra 1,129 yards on top of his career-high. Jones would also need to average roughly 187 yards-per-game while battling through double teams, and the Falcons inevitably needing to run the football.
Is this a realistic goal? Can he actually do it? No, probably not. But a driven, healthy and locked in Julio Jones will be a nightmare for whoever lines up opposite no. 11.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
