Jones returns focus to present
FOXBORO — As the Patriots’ top draft choice in 2016, Cyrus Jones may have put too much pressure on himself as a rookie. The cornerback could have been overthinking things a bit as he struggled through his first season.
But whatever the reason, he’s put it all in the past.
Jones was deployed mostly as a kick and punt returner in his first season, and his struggles were obvious as he fumbled five times. His problems increased when he threw a punch at then Cleveland Browns receiver Andrew Hawkins in Week 5, and he was even passed on the cornerback depth chart.
In all, Jones was listed as a healthy scratch six times and was inactive for the entirety of the Pats’ playoff run to the Super Bowl. It was a nightmarish season, one he’s focused on forgetting. In fact, he claims he already has.
“I pretty much forgot about last year,” Jones said. “That’s not even a thought to me. I’m just focusing on being the best player I can for 2017. I’ve completely moved on as far as I’m concerned. This is a new slate and I’m just trying to be better in 2017.”
It’s easier said than done. At No. 60 overall, Jones was the Patriots’ top selection of the 2016 draft after the team was forced to surrender its firstround pick, and that kind of investment from the organization has likely bought the cornerback some time to work out his issues.
Jones was an elite returner at Alabama, and those skills separated him when the Pats selected him. But in his first season, they didn’t translate. He acknowledged there were a number of factors at play, but didn’t elaborate further.
“I mean, you can pinpoint a lot of reasons for my struggles,” Jones said. “But like I said, that’s not important. It’s gone and in the past. I’m focused on this upcoming season.” And what he can control. Jones’ issues have resurfaced this spring during OTAs and minicamp, but he’s also made some strides. He, as well as most of his teammates, to be fair, had trouble fielding punts during wet and rainy conditions during an OTA session on May 25, but he rebounded for two mistake-free days Tuesday and Wednesday before muffing a punt yesterday.
It’s all in the process of getting more comfortable, and putting last season behind him.
When asked what he feels he needs to prove this season, Jones said, “Nothing,” before he paused and elaborated.
“It’s a no-brainer. You watch last year,” Jones said. “As far as proving something, I just want to come out and be a productive player for the team. I’m not going into every day saying I need to prove this, prove that. I’m just trying to come work hard every day and get better.” And forget about last season. “The more you do something, the more you’re around a certain place, the more accustomed you can come to it,” Jones said, “so I’m feeling relaxed and just excited to come work every day.”