CROCK JULIO NEEDS TONIC OF PLAY-OFFS
JULIO JONES has spent the past week battling ankle and thumb injuries.
But the Atlanta Falcons receiver knows his team need him tonight, with their entire season on the line.
On the final day of the regular campaign, Atlanta host Carolina Panthers (Sky Sports Action, 9pm), knowing that a victory will guarantee them one of the 12 places in the play-offs and keep alive their dream of back-to-back Super Bowl appearances.
The Panthers are already in the play-offs but a win over Atlanta could still earn them a first-round bye, meaning Jones knows the Falcons will have to turn up as a team to have a chance.
Jones, who had seven catches for 149 yards last week against New Orleans, said: “I’ve been dealing with injuries my whole life.
“It takes a different type of guy to go out and play injured. You’ve got to be able to block it out and put the team first.
“We’ve got to keep playing for each other. It’s the brotherhood.
“We’ve had a great week of practice. The energy is here. We know it’s going to be a good weekend for us.
“We can’t let outside noise get to us. It’s all about the bonding of the team and sticking together.”
Quarterback Matt Ryan wishes the Falcons had booked their place in the play-offs before now, but says the win-or-bust feeling over tonight’s game means they are already in a play-off mentality.
He said: “Basically, for us, the play-offs have started. You win and you continue to play. It’s fun to be part of that as competitors.
“That’s where you want to be at the end of the year. You want to be in these types of situations.
“A lot of hard work has gone into getting us in this position, and now it’s about relaxing and having fun.”
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