Another Jones Injured in Patriots' Secondary: Who Replaces Marcus?
FOXBORO — New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones reached near-mythical status as a rookie in 2022 via his game-winning 84-yard punt return against the New York Jets in Week 11.
Unfortunately for both Jones and the Pats, he will not be showcasing his talents for at least the next four games. Once with a likely record abundance of Joneses in the secondary, New England has lost Jonathan, Jack and now Marcus.
The team is placing Jones on injured reserve (IR) after suffering a torn labrum in the first quarter of the team's 24-17 Week 2 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Prior to the confirmation of his injury on Thursday evening, Jones was last seen leaving the field on Sunday night with a shoulder injury. He missed practice on both Wednesday and Thursday.
With their Week 3 matchup with the Jets [ironically] set to start at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday from MetLife Stadium, the Pats now face the unenviable task of attempting to replace Jones athleticism and breakaway speed in their lineup. While starters Jonathan Jones and Christian Gonzalez are expected to remain secure in their respective roles, here is a look at a handful of Pats players who may see an increase in their on-field in the coming weeks
Jalen Mills
Despite his ability to align in multiple positions within the Pats secondary, Mills played a majority of his time at perimeter corner for the past two seasons. Despite missing seven games last season, Mills was able to log 31 tackles, five pass break-ups and intercept two passes. In the process, he held opposing quarterbacks to completing only 27-of-45 for 333 yards when targeting him. Though he has seemingly made a positional switch to safety, his multi-faceted skill set will allow him to provide assistance on the boundary to starter Christian Gonzalez and veteran Jonathan Jones.
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Myles Bryant
Bryant, a hard-hitting defensive back, has routinely played a versatile role with New England. With the Pats often employing multiple defensive backs against their opponents, Bryant routinely provides notable assists in coverage to the Patriots defensive backfield; albeit seeing most of his snaps in the slot. Bryant has occasionally aligned as the third safety in the Pats customary three-safety set. Following Jones' first-half exit in Week 2, the Pats entrusted Bryant with his perimeter duties. Miami receiver Tyreek Hill caught only five passes for 40 yards with one touchdown, while Waddle secured four passes for 86 yards. As such, it would not be a shock to see him provide some physicality against some of their opponents top receiving options, including New York's Garrett Wilson.
Ameer Speed
The Patriots find themselves in the unique position of having both a figurative and literal "need for Speed."
Despite being a former member of the national championship-winning Georgia Bulldogs, Speed transferred to Michigan State prior to the 2022 season. With his combination of height (6-3) and speed (4.33 40-yard dash), the ex-Spartan has the chance to become a notable reserve cornerback. Speed’s best chance seeing the field in his rookie season may come on special teams, where he was credited with taking over 500 snaps during his time at Georgia. He saw most of his action at the punt return and kickoff coverage teams. However, he was also used on punt coverage and kickoff return as well as the field goal and extra point blocking units. Speed's speed (pun intended) may earn him an extra look from the Pats coaches as an option in the return game during Jones' absence.
Shaun Wade
Wade is the definition of potential versus performance. In seven games played for the Pats since 2021, he has compiled just five tackles (one for loss) in limited duty. However, Wade was a highly touted slot cornerback prospect during his time at Ohio State; even viewed as a potential first round pick. In his final season with the Buckeyes, he was moved from the slot to outside cornerback. This, along with Wade playing much of the year with turf toe, caused his draft stock to plummet. At his best, Wade is aggressive at the catch point, while showing an ability to read his opponent. Despite a limited pro resume, he should receive plenty of attention, as well as opportunity to make an impression. Given his abilities to align either in the slot or on the outside, Wade may now get the chance to showcase his versatility for the first time at the pro level.
