When looking at some recent numbers, it turns out that Las Vegas Raiders DE Chandler Jones isn’t such a dud after all. Has he been worth the blockbuster contract he received this offseason? Well, we wouldn’t go that far just yet.
When Jones was signed this year, expectations were sky-high. He was supposed to form part of a pass-rushing tandem with Maxx Crosby that was going to take the NFL by storm. Instead, it’s been more of the same. Crosby is essentially carrying the Raiders’ defense on his back. However, looking at some numbers for Jones, he hasn’t been as terrible as some fans may think.
According to Pro Football Focus, Jones has been credited with eight total pressures, one hit, and seven hurries against the Seattle Seahawks. Of course, he had zero sacks. There are a couple of dynamics at play here. One, fans usually only care about the “sexy” stats, which for Jones’s position are sacks. Jones has had one the entire year. If we’re talking semantics, the Raiders have paid nearly $4 million this year for that sack. The second dynamic is that Jones is doing other things that don’t pop up on the stat sheet. He’s been relatively effective in run defense while also helping to set up plays for others. Again, though, it comes with a hefty price tag.
Raiders DE Chandler Jones might be turning the corner
What? Chandler Jones did something on the stat sheer?
A fumble recovery for Chandler!!!!
He is alive, ALIVE!!!!!!!!!! #RaiderNation #LVvsSEA pic.twitter.com/x7QIbiyUhE
— Raiders History (@Oaklraiders1976) November 27, 2022
At first sight, yes, the numbers aren’t remarkable. Fair but that’s not the point. All season, fans have been clamoring for Jones to breakout. While he hasn’t hit home yet with any sacks, he’s getting there. Slowly but surely, Jones is applying pressure, and sooner or later, he’ll have a multi-sack game this year.
To his credit, he’s making plays in other facets of the game, he recorded a fumble recovery on Sunday, leading to much praise from fans. Jones has also been crucial is helping set up other Raiders’ defenders. Against the Seahawks, Jones showed that ability as he and Roderic Teamer set the edge, allowing Denzel Perryman to make the play. It’s just one of many examples. Again, it’s the things that don’t show up on the box score.
Up next, Jones is facing a Los Angeles Chargers offensive line that’s struggled with injuries, maybe this is the opportunity he needs?
*Top Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
