The One Way James Jones Can Effectively Replace Jordy Nelson
Everyone likes to note the absence of a deep threat in the Green Bay Packers' offense thanks to Jordy Nelson's yearlong injury. Yet, another weapon in Aaron Rodgers' repertoire - the back-shoulder throw - has also been missing, due to poor execution and an unwillingness to try it.
While the concept is simple enough, many receivers aren't adept at reading the play, making an adjustment and securing the catch on a back-shoulder throw. Nelson was a master at the play, and it's been noticeably ineffective in 2015 - until Sunday's game in California.
Rodgers and James Jones hooked up 6 times, accounting for 82 yards and touchdown. Though the TD strike came on a confused Oakland Raiders secondary, the back-shoulder throw was a valuable tool for the two.
Rodgers has tried it multiple times with Davante Adams and other receivers, but they just never seemed to figure it out. The veteran wide out, however, appears to be ready to take over that simple, yet effective strategy - and it makes sense for Jones' skill set.
We all know the Packers' pass-catchers have struggled to get separation this year, and Jones truly lacks the game-breaker speed or footwork to get himself open on a consistent basis. That's pretty obvious when you look at the majority of his production despite a hot start.
Take away the Minnesota Vikings game, and in the other 8 contests from week 5 to week 14, Jones totaled just 12 catches and averaged under 30 yards per game. That also includes a pair of contests where he was shut out completely and another when he had 1 catch for 2 yards in Denver.
That's what made Sunday's win over Oakland fascinating as Green Bay nears the playoffs. Jones' two best attributes are his knowledge of Rodgers (and the offense) and the fact that he will catch the ball more often than not - a bit uncommon this year for the Green-and-Gold.
So, the key is, If you have a guy who will make the routine catch, how do you get him open when he can't do it himself?
That's why the back-shoulder throw is a perfect fit for Jones and Rodgers to lean on when they need it most. For example, 5 of Jones' 6 receptions Sunday went for first downs - with 3 of those coming from the back-shoulder variety.
Normally in man coverage, you're hoping to take a deep shot with a talented receiver who can beat the DB; however, with Jones, it's actually the opposite.
You hope - really assume - the cornerback will be step-for-step in Jones' pocket. That means the best place to get Jones the ball is behind the defender where Jones can adjust and simply make the catch with little resistance.
Teams aren't typically going to give any extra attention to Jones - whether with a linebacker underneath or a safety over the top - so Rodgers can probably go to the back-shoulder any time he wants...and they should use it till anyone proves they can stop it.
There's nothing wrong with a quarterback having a security blanket. Sometimes it's a certain player or position, like Brett Favre had with his tight ends. It's the place you go when you see nothing else or need to feel confident you'll get a handful of yards - or better yet - a first down.
In this case, it's a particular play to a specific teammate.
It's clear the Packers' offense will not be the explosive kind we're accustomed to seeing, which makes reliable, trustworthy, often boring but drive-sustaining plays all the more important.
Rodgers' right arm will always be the most vital body part in Green Bay, but Jones' back shoulder could be the second-biggest weapon in the offense's arsenal the rest of the year.