(Photo Credit: Bobby O’Hara/PuresportsNY)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Veteran WR James Jones is officially a New York Giant and met with the media Saturday after preparing for his first practice with the team. Two of the biggest factor when it came to him joining the team was the familiarity of Ben McAdoo and his offensive scheme.
“One of the main reasons was I wanted to get in a similar offense that I played in in Green Bay. I’ve had a real good relationship with Coach McAdoo, and I felt like I could come here and help this team be successful.”
Jones was very successful under Green Bay’s system, with the Packers he caught 310 regular-season passes for 4,305 yards and 37 touchdowns. But, Jones caught a career-high 73 passes for an Oakland Raiders last season proving he is not just a product of the system.
When it comes to McAdoo’s system Jones loves the comfort level that is placed on the recievers.
“It’s a real comfortable offense for receivers. There really isn’t a lot of thinking— it’s just going out there and playing. They put a lot of pressure on the quarterbacks, as they should, because they’re making the big bucks,” Jones said. Maybe he can make a sales pitch for Eli Manning who is waiting for a new contract.
Jones knows a good quarterback when he sees one after spending plenty of seasons catching passes from Aaron Rodgers, a two time MVP, he stated his excitement about joining Eli who has lead his team to two Super Bowl wins.
“Just meeting with Eli, he seemed real passionate about the game. He wants everything to be perfect. He’s already going through plays and stuff with me, because he wants everything to be perfect. I’m excited to get to work and see what type of quarterback he is. I’m sure he’s one of those top-notch guys.”
As for the number of catches he will have a chance to get this year, he doesn’t look at that, he is excited to join a growing room of wideouts and is looking to bring his experience to improve the talent under Odell Beckham and returning Victor Cruz.
“I’m just here to compete. If 100 balls come my way, they do. If two come my way, they do. I’m just here to help this team win the best way I can and be a leader of the team, helping those young guys in the receiving room. It’s a great room in there with a lot of talented guys, so this whole situation can go either way. The main thing is just to have fun, compete and enjoy the time when you’re out there on the field.”
The Giants needed some help at this position last season, but hopefully with a solid signing of Jones and a healthy Cruz, McAdoo will have a more successful year with the offense.