Ah, Brad Jones. He’s the Green Bay Packers’ gift that keeps on giving.
Jones’ 2014 season highlights can pretty much be summed up as such: missed tackles, blown opportunities, awful penalties. And yet, somehow, he still managed to get on the field in some role game after game.
Why would this be of note now?
Because Jones was ultimately responsible for the Seattle Seahawks’ successful fake field goal attempt in the NFC Championship game.
If Jones hadn’t been in the game, Seattle wouldn’t even have run the fake.
Reserve linebacker Brad Jones was recklessly aggressive coming off the edge on film. He consistently darted hard to the inside in an effort to get the block, and often went to unnecessary lengths to do so.
So with five minutes left in the third quarter and Seattle still trailing 16-0, (coach Pete) Carroll gave (punter Jon) Ryan the go-ahead to execute a fake specifically designed for this game. Ryan had two options:
1. Take the snap and roll out to Jones’ side with either Garry Gilliam (left side) or Luke Willson (right) as a receiving option. If the linebacker covers the receiver, Ryan should run. If not, throw it.
2. If Jones isn’t on the field, take a delay of game penalty and then kick the field goal.
So naturally, Jones did his usual thing and A.J. Hawk was the only guy with the awareness to try to chase down the fake.
Hawk went for Ryan and Gilliam was wide open in the end zone.
Start the comeback!
Now, surely special teams coach Shawn Slocum deserves the majority of the blame for this, as we pointed out yesterday.
However, considering Brad Jones’ overall body of work this season, we would love nothing more than to see the Packers give him his walking papers.
This isn’t like Brandon Bostick making one bad play at an extremely inopportune time. This is a guy who fucks up time and time again and somehow still has a job.
In fact, Slocum and Jones both fall into that category.
What message does that send?
Hey, don’t worry if you’re completely awful week after week. The Packers will still employ you!