Jones made his season debut on offense last Sunday.
New England Patriots cornerback/punt returner Marcus Jones took his first two offensive snaps of the season last week.
On Thursday, it was revealed that Jones’ return to the offensive side did not come until he texted offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt volunteering his services — partly because Van Pelt did not know of Jones’ previous offensive experience when he played 18 snaps for New England as a gadget player in 2022.
Jerod Mayo then explained Friday morning why his coordinator was not aware of Jones’ past usage.
“I knew this question was coming. Look, the primary focus for us this year was to get Marcus healthy and to get Marcus ready to go as a cornerback and a punt returner,” Mayo said. “That was the primary goal. That was our focus. I mean, how much time do we want to spend on gadget plays? He’s most valuable on the defensive side of the ball and punt return.”
Jones’ season was cut short last year after suffering a torn-labrum in Week 2. He played one offensive snap the previous week as a decoy, but was mainly used down the stretch in 2022. Appearing on offense in five games, Jones totaled four catches for 78 yards and a touchdown.
“Everyone in this building, everyone knows what he can do with the ball in his hands. I mean, we see those things,” Mayo responded when asked, in hindsight, if someone should have mentioned his ability to play offense. “Again, I would say the primary focus was for him to play corner.”
Mayo is not the only coach on staff that remains from 2022. In addition to several defensive coaches, current wide receivers coach Tyler Hughes was with the team as an offensive assistant.
“I think for Marcus coming back from last season, the focus was on him as a defensive player. That’s primarily what he is, is a return guy,” Hughes said Friday. “That’s really all it was. We were focused with him as a team in that role. Then as the season’s progressed it’s opened other opportunities for him.”
With Mayo noting how New England’s approach as a game-plan team opened the door for Jones, the package is now something worth building on for Van Pelt’s unit.
Last Sunday, Jones’ two offensive snaps — one where he took a hand off and one where he was used as a decoy — generated 14 total yards.
“Marcus is a guy that can help our team. He’s proven he’s able to make good plays when he’s given an opportunity. We’ll see what that looks like over the course of the season through the rest of the year,” Hughes added. “Again, he’s a good player. He’s helped us as a return guy, he’s obviously a good cover guy. He’s a talented guy. We;; find a way to keep him in the mix, somehow, someway.”