The Atlanta Falcons are now 1-6 after they fell to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7. Following the loss, Jones interrupted head coach Dan Quinn and spoke to his teammates in the locker room.
Per D. Orlando Ledbetter in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
“[Jones] doesn’t say very much,” [safety Ricardo] Allen said. “He’s a dude that usually just goes out and tries to lead by his actions. First of all, for him to stop (Quinn), it’s tough. It’s tough on the team.”
“Everybody just sat there and watched,” Allen said. “He’s a guy that when he speaks and he doesn’t speak very often, everybody is going to listen. You see him and how much he was hurt, how frustrated and confused he is still, it’s just like, that’s when you know it’s serious. You know that we need it from everybody around. We need it from every 1/11th that’s on that field.
With the Falcons being near the bottom of the league in wins, many have placed the blame of their misfortunes on Quinn. However, Jones interrupted Quinn's post-game speech to defend the team's head coach.
Since coming into the NFL in 2011, Jones has never been known as a vocal leader for the Falcons. Therefore, when the All-Pro wide receiver speaks—everyone listens.
Before the season began, no one envisioned the Falcons struggling to the point where they are last place in the NFC South. In an offense that includes Matt Ryan, Jones, Calvin Ridley, and Devonta Freeman, the Falcons averaged just 20.7 points per game (19th in the NFL). At 1-6, Atlanta's season is essentially over but maybe Jones' speech can provide a much-needed spark for the team.
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