Byron Jones: Slowing Gronkowski a ‘tough, tough challenge’
Rob Gronkowski is arguably the toughest matchup for defenses in the NFL today.
The New England Patriots tight end received MVP consideration last season after catching 82 passes for 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’s Tom Brady’s favorite target, especially in the red zone. Gronkowski has 16 touchdowns in his past 18 games.
It’s an unenviable task to guard Gronkowski, and part of that responsibility will fall to rookie defensive back Byron Jones.
“He’s one of the best tight ends I’d say,” Jones said. “Athletically, his catch radius, his ability to fight for the ball. So it’s going to be tough, a tough challenge for me.”
Jones won’t be alone in trying to slow down Gronkowski, of course. As Jason Garrett said, “Rob Gronkowski isn’t Byron Jones’ problem. He’s our problem.”
Gronkowski is a tough task for any team to slow down. He hasn’t been contained yet this season -- he had five catches for 94 yards and three TDs against Pittsburgh; seven catches for 113 yards and a TD against Buffalo; and four catches for 101 yards against the Jaguars.
The Cowboys have contained tight ends for the most part this season, allowing only 13 catches for 96 yards and a touchdown. But none of those tight ends them are on Gronkowski’s level.
“We’re just going to find ways to give him different looks,” Jones said. “Try to find a way to get this guy slowed down. ... He’s a special player in this league no doubt. We’re just going to find ways to try to slow him down.”
For his part, Jones is continuing to gain confidence in his rookie season. He had two nice open-field tackles to end a Saints drive in the first half last Sunday.
“You’d be surprised, being a first-round pick you’d like you’d have all the confidence in the world, but it takes some time to feel it out,” Jones said. “I’m feeling a little bit better about myself and about where I’m going.”
This story was originally published October 7, 2015 at 11:00 AM with the headline "Byron Jones: Slowing Gronkowski a ‘tough, tough challenge’."