Marvin Jones Proving to be Threatening Number One Option

When Calvin Johnson abruptly retired this off-season, it was like seeing double for Detroit Lions fans: 17 years earlier, the generational star that was Barry Sanders retired too early. The franchise was tasked with (somehow) replacing that unavoidable hole in their offense while managing to match his production. Signing fellow receiver Golden Tate in the 2014 off-season proved to be a key signing (189 receptions for 2,144 yards and 10 touchdowns the last two seasons), but finding another option was vital.

Enter Marvin Jones, the fourth year receiver out of Cal who began his career with the Cincinnati Bengals as a fifth round pick. After compiling a 134-1,729-15 stat line in three seasons-he missed the 2014 season due to injury-Jones signed a five year, $40 million contract with the Lions on March 11 this year. Since, he has far outshone Tate with a league-leading 408 yards through their first three games, more double the amount Megatron posted last season (199 yards).

The Lions are off to a 1-2 start albeit issues that don’t involve Jones’ play. Jones torched the Green Bay Packers for six catches for 205 yards and two touchdowns in Week 3 for one of the league’s top performances.

The Packers opted to man Jones up and occasionally press him, choices that burned them in the long run due to the Lions’ desire to send him vertical. Damarious Randall has his hips and shoulders square to Jones on his release, but Jones’ hesitation move holds him for a second before reducing the inside shoulder to create separation at the top of his route. From there, he does a fine job of tracking and securing the ball by creating a basket-like window to shield the ball away from the defender. A closer view of the latter can be seen here.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford has drawn flack the past few years for his reliance on Johnson, forcing throws to him. Because of this, Stafford struggled to read and diagnose pre-snap coverages. This matchup appeared to signal an improvement in those deficiencies with the help of Jones: Stafford brought his eyes to Jones after he received the snap, proving he wanted that option before the snap based on the Packers’ alignment and Jones’ ability to beat man defenders.

More from Detroit Lions

• What is Next for Trey Lance and the 49ers?
• 2023 NFL Season: Which players have the highest cap hits?
• 2023 NFL Offseason: Three moves teams might regret
• 2023 NFL Season: Day 2 rookies on defense poised to start
• 2023 NFL Season: Day 2 rookies on offense poised to start

You will again notice the footwork and use of hands to beat press. While a positive, Jones should work to stack the defensive back quicker to create a wider throwing window. Notice how Stafford’s throw brings Jones infield to where Jones ideally should have been. Regardless, Jones’ consistent ability to win in his release creates an effective target.

The first of Jones’ two touchdowns was a textbook reception. Manned up again, Jones’ footwork and reduction of the inside shoulder allow him to carry his vertical stem before accelerating. He then creates separation, which makes for a wider throwing window.

Stafford does a good job of putting this throw on Jones’ back-shoulder where only he can get it. Jones then exhibits the tracking ability to seamlessly adjust and pluck the ball out of the air with ideal control. From there, his awareness and balance keep him in bounds and he throws an effective stiff arm.

Jones isn’t the athlete Johnson was, but quite frankly very, very few are. However, Jones’ athleticism deserves increased recognition as it allows him to make plays like the one above. The Lions have found a fluid route runner with nuances in his game that compliment Golden Tate well and provide Stafford with a dependable target.