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RB Thomas Jones, New York Jets

HT: 5-10, WT: 216, Born: 8-19-1978, College: Virginia, Drafted: Round 1, Pick 7

2008 Projections

2007 Game Summaries

Week 1 - Jones had a rough start to his debut as the feature running back for the New York Jets. At the end of the first half, he was under ten total rushing yards for the game. The New England defense was putting consistent pressure on the offense, getting through the gap and plugging up the running lanes. After the first half Jones showed some good burst and elusiveness, finishing the day with 14 rushes for 42 yards. He was targeted twice, once by each quarterback, which he converted into one catch for a six yard gain.

Week 2 - Jones ran with power throughout the game, hitting the hole hard and driving into defenders. The holes just weren't really there for him though, as he had no double digit yardage gains, and only averaged 2.8 yards per carry. To his credit, Jones wasn't an effective part of the offense due mostly to game situation and the strength of the offense, as he clearly ran with a conviction that was very impressive. He had a nice 21 yard reception in the first quarter on a dump off pass from Clemens. He bobbled a pass in the third quarter that center Nick Mangold caught for a loss of three yards; it was the second year player Mangold's first NFL catch. Jones fumbled early in the fourth quarter, but a teammate on the offensive line quickly pounced on it for the recovery.

Week 3 - The Jets needed Jones to grind out the tough yards, pick up first downs, and keep the clock moving. He responded with 110 yards, with 19 of his 25 carries coming in the second half and New York clinging to a lead. He also took advantage of the Zach Thomas missing the game for Miami.

Week 4 - With Buffalo's defensive woes, Jones figured to have a big game. Instead, he gained only 35 yards on 12 carries. 31 of those yards came on four runs, meaning Jones gained only four yards on his other eight attempts. Although Jones was not having a big game, the Jets abandoned the running game in favor of Pennington passes, even though the game was close. Given more of an opportunity, Jones may have been able to post more respectable numbers.

Jones caught two passes for 20 yards.

Week 5 - Jones had another sub par performance rushing 13 times for 36 yards while hauling in two passes for another 14. He had no room to run as the Jets interior line got no push and produced no holes.

Week 6 - Thomas Jones ran well and was given a healthy dose of carries. Carrying 24 times for 130 yards, Jones reached a season high in rushing yards in a loosing effort. He had room all day behind an offensive line that has been less than stellar. He saw one target, in which he converted to an 11 yard gain and was not much of a factor in the passing game.

Week 7 - Jones could never get going, and the Jets gave up on the run game with Thomas Jones in the third quarter, giving Leon Washington most of the remaining playing time since Washington is also a pass threat.

Week 8 - Jones had another solid day and made the most of his limited carries, rushing 16 times for 70 yards, while adding five receptions for 34 yards. He was an integral parts of the Jets offense for most of the day however the inability of the Jets to sustain a drive, did not give Jones any opportunities to find the end zone.

Week 9 - Jones had a decent game running the ball, but never become a serious factor. The game plan called for more passes than runs, despite New York leading for most of the game. Jones' 65 total yards was second on the team.

Week 11 - Jones had a great game, averaging nearly four yards per carry against the tough Steelers defense. The Jets never stopped feeding him the ball and he never stopped hitting the hole hard and fighting for every inch he could. With an inexperienced QB now under center, the Jets may be been more committed to running the ball, a great omen for owners who made Jones a high draft choice. He became the first player to gain at least 100 yards against the Steelers since Edgerrin James in 2005.

Week 12 - Jones suffered from not getting much assistance from his offensive line, and as a result posted mediocre rushing numbers. He would attack the line of scrimmage, but very rarely got through for positive yards. Thanks to his cutting ability and speed, he was able to turn a few plays that would have resulted in loss of yards into minimal gains.

Week 13 - Thomas Jones had a solid day as he accumulated 100 total yards and a touchdown in the big victory. He rushed 24 times and saw only one target come his way, which he converted into a 25 yard passing play. He was overshadowed however by Jets backup running back Leon Washington, who was the primary beneficiary of the Jets offensive explosion.

Week 14 - Jones averaged 4.4 yards per carry and had a long run of seventeen yards on his way to eclipsing the hundred yard mark, but failed to get the ball into the end zone on a pair of carries from the one yard line early in the second quarter as the Browns defense penetrated and kept him from hitting the hole. Jones moved within 56 yards on his third straight 1000 yard season, however has only one touchdown on the season.

Week 15 - Jones, whose nine carries led the team, was only able to gain 19 yards rushing while bringing in two of his three targets for 19 yards.

Week 16 - Thomas Jones again found no room to run as he averaged a mere 2.7 yards per rush, finishing the day with only 63 total yards. Jones also saw four targets come his way as he surprisingly out produced fellow running back Leon Washington catching passes out of the backfield. He was a clear check down most of the game for Pennington, as his three catches totaled only five yards.

Week 17 - Jones had a solid day against the Chiefs as he gained 98 yards on 25 attempts and added a fifteen yard touchdown reception. He had room to run for most of the day and was their workhorse as he received more than half of their 40 rushing attempts. In the first quarter, Jones took an inside screen pass from 15 yards to pay dirt as he notched his first receiving, and second total touchdown of the year.