Marcus Jones dazzles with 94-yard punt return, ties Patriots legend in impressive win
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones has emerged as one of the standout defensive players this season. Yet, it is his prowess as a punt returner that has truly captured attention. In a defining moment during the Patriots’ 33-15 victory over the New York Giants, Jones solidified his reputation by returning a punt 94 yards for a touchdown — his second scoring return of the season.
This electrifying run not only showcased his remarkable speed but also tied him with Patriots icon Julian Edelman for the longest punt return in franchise history, a record set on January 2, 2011. Additionally, Jones became just the fourth player in team history to achieve two or more punt returns for a touchdown in a single season. With this latest return, he also qualified for the highest punt return average in NFL history, boasting an impressive 14.6 yards per return across 77 career attempts.
Staying Grounded in the Moment
For Jones, the key to his success was ensuring that he stayed on his feet and in bounds as he sprinted toward the end zone. “Yeah, my main thing was, ‘do not get tackled by the punter,’” he noted after the game. “But I would say also, the field was kind of shrinking so I was trying to stay up and do my guys right for sure.”
Jones was quick to credit his teammates for their crucial blocking. “Those guys that have been blocking for me… I commend them 24/7,” he said. “Without them, I would not be able to get any yards, I can honestly say. I commend my guys out there and everything like that; I try to just make them right. They do the hard part out there. I just follow the blocks and go from there.”
A Promising Start to a Stellar Career
Standing at 5-foot-8 and weighing 188 pounds, Jones has always exhibited exceptional athleticism and breakaway speed. Selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft (85th overall), he entered the league with considerable expectations. His rookie season was nothing short of remarkable; he earned a spot on the Associated Press All-Pro first team as a punt returner, the only Patriots player to receive an All-Pro selection that year. He was also recognized as both an All-NFL and All-AFC punt returner by the Pro Football Writers of America.
Head coach Mike Vrabel has expressed pride in Jones’s development, noting his growing confidence and importance to the team’s success this season. “Just from the personality, just from the person, the way that he practiced, he embodied it,” Vrabel remarked to reporters at Gillette Stadium. “I would say, the identity, and then just knew he was an elite punt returner. And so, we have to continue to make that a weapon, force teams to punt and be in fourth-and-long to where we have those opportunities to double the gunners and things like that.”
Family Influence on Skill Development
Jones attributes much of his skill and instinct to the guidance he received from his father. This mentorship not only instilled a strong work ethic but also fostered a genuine passion for the role of punt returner. “First off, I think of those situations where my dad had me in a parking lot when I was like four years old,” Jones recalled. “And he used to throw the ball in the air and be like, ‘track it.’ That was the first thing I thought about. It is a long journey, especially with punt returners. Not everyone wants to do it, but I find a lot of joy when it comes down to it.”
As Jones continues to shine on the field, both as a defender and a dynamic return specialist, he embodies the spirit of determination and skill that the Patriots have long valued.
