Breaking News: Raiders’ Jack Jones Puts NFL on Notice With Stern Message
The Las Vegas Raiders’ defense experienced an unexpected turnaround last season. After two decades without ranking in the top 10 for scoring defense, the team didn’t start the 2023 season well.
However, once Antonio Pierce took over as head coach, the defense improved dramatically, finishing ninth in points allowed (19.5 per game). A significant factor in this turnaround was cornerback Jack Jones, who quickly became a starter after being claimed off waivers. Now, with a full offseason ahead with the team, Jones is confident that the defense can “break teams” this season.
“I’m excited,” Jones said about the Raiders’ defense during his May 29 media session. “I mean, you all see the energy we’re bringing out there, it’s different. You can feel it, you know what I’m saying. So, I think with that pressure and teams feeling that, that swag, that team camaraderie that we got, I think that’s going to break teams by itself just us going out there being a squad and coming together.”
For the first time in a long while, it seems the Raiders might be defined by their defense. This makes sense given Pierce’s background as an NFL linebacker. While there are some offensive concerns, the defense could emerge as a top unit in 2024.
Jack Jones Further Addresses Team’s Energy
The Raiders didn’t hit their stride until the end of last season, winning three of their last four games, including a victory against the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. It seemed like the Raiders’ season truly began only after Antonio Pierce assumed the role of head coach.
Jones mentioned that after their Week 18 win over the Denver Broncos, the team wasn’t ready for the season to end.
“Last year around this time I wasn’t here, but I will say that last game – usually the last game it’s like you get the attitude like, ‘It’s the last game, I’m ready to get out of here, ready to go enjoy vacation,’ and that last game we were all locked in,” Jones said. “It was almost like we had a game after that game, and that right there alone shows me at least that this team wants to play and wants to be here and wants to do the right thing.”
Whether the Raiders can maintain this high level of energy throughout the offseason and regular season remains to be seen. If they can, they could be a formidable team in 2024.
Jack Jones Believes He’s a ‘Premier Corner’
There has been much discussion about the Raiders needing to add a cornerback this offseason, but the team has not aggressively pursued the position. This could be due to their confidence in Jack Jones and what he can bring to the team with a full offseason of preparation.
Jones exudes the confidence expected of a top cornerback.
“I believe I’m a premier corner already myself,” Jones said. “I’m not really worried about what y’all say respectfully. I’m not really worried about what y’all say. I just go out there and play ball. My goal this year is to be the number one defense and make the playoffs and go farther in the playoffs than we did last year.”