Cincinnati Bengals “Earning Their Stripes”: Adam Jones

Oct 19, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam Jones (24) reacts after a defensive stop during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

Whenever a shutout happens it’s tough to think about who may have stepped up offensively during the game, and when the defense allows 27 points, it is equally tough to find that special player. Let’s face it, the Bengals have been far from good these last few weeks, in fact, they have borderline stunk.  Agreed there are a lot of injuries, but even in the preseason the second and third stringers looked better than they have shown.  There is, however, one gleaming bright spot from Sunday’s blowout loss to the Colts, and his name is Adam Jones.

Jones didn’t get the standout interception or the huge fumble return for a touchdown.  In fact Adam Jones didn’t have a huge kickoff or punt return.  Some might say it was just another day at the office for the corner formally known as Pac-Man.

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This is where statistics come in.  This is where the cream rises just a little and it is broken down how well the 10^th year corner from West Virginia fared.  Andrew Luck completed 64% of his passes for 344 yards against the Bengals, but was only 2 of 6 (33%) for 8 yards against Jones.  Also, Jones had the task of covering all pro receiver Reggie Wayne for most of the game, and when covering Wayne, Andrew Luck was just 1 of 3 for 2 yards, staying consistent with 33% completions.

Adam Jones also had two tackles against the run to cap off his solid day.  Jones was notably irritated after last week’s tie versus the Panthers, calling out kicker and teammate Mike Nugent after missing a 36 yard field goal that would’ve won the game in overtime.  “Everybody in here gets paid to do a job and that’s what everybody needs to do” Jones said. This quote might apply to more than one player this week.  Jones, however did his job and “earned his stripes.”

Look for Stripe Hype’s weekly “Earning Their Stripes” piece following each Bengals game.