Velus Jones talks about his big game versus the Seahawks!
We saw so many positive things during the Bears' 27-11 win against the Seattle Seahawks. Well, Velus Jones' play was certainly very positive.
Indeed, he plashed on a few occasions the type of game-breaking speed he possesses.
After fumbling at the end of a 28-yard return of the opening kickoff, Jones more than made up for it with a 48-yard punt return late in the first quarter that set up the Bears' first touchdown in a 27-11 win over the Seahawks.
"Growing up, my grandma always taught me there's nothing you can do about something if it's in the past, and I have that mentality," Jones said. "I know in this game of football, adversity can strike anytime in the game. It's how you respond. I know my abilities. I know what I can do when I get the ball in my hands. So it's never stressful. I'm never down on myself; just looking forward to the next play."
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Jones showed his ability after he caught the punt at his own 19. He ran up the left sideline, avoiding tacklers before ultimately being brought down at the Seahawks 33-yard line.
"When I grabbed the ball, there was a guy on the punt team who was in front of me," Jones said. "But I saw a crease by the sideline. It's just a natural feeling when you get back there. So I made my cut, I just wiggled through, found the gaps and the spaces."
Jones excelled as a receiver and return specialist in college. Last season at Tennessee, he was actually named SEC Co-Special Teams Player of the Year after averaging over 27 yards with one TD on 23 kickoff returns and 15.1 yards on 18 punt returns.
"He's fast, for sure," said coach Matt Eberflus. "He's explosive. It's a challenge for him because he's a rookie and he's going to have to come in there and show guys what he can do. I think he's up for the challenge."
After being forced to sit out last Saturday's preseason opener with an injury, Jones was looking forward to producing an impact play like his 48-yard punt return in his first pro game.
"It's a big confidence boost," said Jones, who also caught one pass for four yards. "All day in the hotel I was just thinking about the plays I was going to make, just trying to visualize everything, so it was a good feeling overall."
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