The Falcoholic
It’s only right that the greatest season in Atlanta Falcons history featured the greatest single-game performance in Jones’ career.
There were many times during Julio Jones’ career when you watched him early on in a game and said, “Oh, this is looking like a Julio game.” He was going to produce over 100 receiving yards. There would be multiple 25+ yard receptions, whether it’s off a go route exploding past a cornerback or breaking tackles across the field.
The camera will show the opposing defensive backs and coaching staff looking dejected at some point after another first-down reception. They will realize that all the preparation that went into containing the electrifying wide receiver wasn’t enough.
Jones made several opponents look hopeless in his biggest games. No team experienced that wretched feeling more than the Carolina Panthers in Week 4 of the 2016 season. Coming off a terrific yet slightly bizarre 45-32 win over the Saints, the Falcons had plenty to prove against another division rival.
What made the win in New Orleans odd was that Jones caught one pass for 16 yards on seven targets. For the Falcons to beat their biggest rivals on primetime in a shootout without much production from the 2016 first-team All-Pro wide receiver showed their offensive capabilities. It also meant Jones would play with even more urgency against the reigning NFC champions.
Considering what Jones did the last time he faced the Panthers in 2015, something historic would have to happen for him to top that extraordinary performance. The best players are always capable of making history. With Matt Ryan starting to get comfortable in Kyle Shanahan’s offense and major personnel upgrades made across the offense, Jones was bound to have a phenomenal game that nobody would ever forget.
On the first three plays of Atlanta’s opening drive, Jones caught three passes for 51 yards. Jones’ agility and relentlessness gave Carolina fits on comebacks and short routes. Even when he fell to the turf from a collision, Ryan was able to maneuver around the pocket to find him for a 14-yard gain. Those first three plays set the tone that Jones was going to be targeted all game long against a Carolina defense known for shutting down opposing running games.
As much as Bene Benwikere is remembered for being torched by Jones, Daryl Worley felt how overmatched a corner can be when going against the future Hall of Famer. Ryan hit Jones in stride on a 43-yard pass, where Worley didn’t make any contact while in press coverage.
That’s how devastating Jones’ release was at the line of scrimmage. He blew past the young cornerback with ease, as Worley was hoping for safety help. Ron Rivera likely had the same feeling after seeing how easily Jones got behind his defense. Adjustments were bound to be made, right?
On the next drive, Jones caught another deep ball from Ryan for a 53-yard gain on third and 17. It was...
