Texans rookie Jones shows he can run, catch, score | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle
'Boy, is he a good football player'
Versatile rookie Jones shows he can run, catch, score on a return
By MEGAN MANFULL
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle
GLENDALE, ARIZ. — Texans coach Gary Kubiak was talking into his headset as Arizona's punt coverage converged on Jacoby Jones. Kubiak was sure the rookie was going to make a fair catch at the 20-yard line.
It was the third quarter, though, and Jones had not fielded a punt all day. He was getting antsy and wanted to try to make a play on special teams. So despite having someone just an arm's length away ready to hit him, Jones fielded the ball and threaded his way downfield.
Behind blocks by Harry Williams and Fred Bennett, Jones danced into the end zone on an 80-yard return.
"He's fearless," Kubiak said. "He's a playmaker. We got something special there. We just need to keep it going. Boy, is he a good football player."
That was only one of Jones' highlights in the Texans' 33-20 victory over the Cardinals on Saturday. He also had two catches for 32 yards and two carries for 24 yards.
End-zone dance needs work
But the 80-yard punt return had everyone talking. After high-stepping into the end zone, Jones clutched the ball and carried it over the Texans' bench. He didn't let go until one of the trainers promised to put it on the team truck. Jones wanted to give it to his mother, Emily.
But even after the biggest play of the preseason, Jones wasn't immune to being teased.
"Just work on the end-zone dance; come up with something more original," running back Ahman Green said. "That was Deion (Sanders). That was like 10, five, six years ago. Come up with something new.
"As long as he keeps making plays like that, he can do what he wants to do. But I'm going to say come with something more original next time."
Teammates are impressed with how far the rookie has come since he was taken in this year's draft. While the third-round pick out of Lane College garnered attention in offseason practices,it wasn't all positive. He dropped too many passes.
But that has changed since training camp began. Now, Jones is becoming known for his big-play ability.
"When he first came out here, you could tell he was a little wide-eyed," right tackle Eric Winston said. "He went from the minors to the bigs pretty fast. I tell you what, he's put in a ton of work. You can tell he's really getting dividends from all the work he's putting in because he looks great out there."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
