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The Atlanta Falcons have been extremely disappointing in 2019. Through the first 10 games, they are just 3-7 and find themselves tied with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the worst record in the NFC South division.
However, superstar wide receiver Julio Jones is doing exactly what you'd expect, causing headaches for opposing defenses.
Just how good has he been though?
Let's grade Jones 2019 season through the first 10 games. Important disclaimer: Team success does not factor into this. The fact that the Falcons have been straight up bad with a 3-7 record does not alter Jones grade in any way.
That being said, his impact will change the grade slightly. This means we will be factoring in big games in wins and no-shows in losses.
First, let's look at the stats.
Jones has 59 receptions for 882 yards and four touchdowns. Those 59 receptions are 11th most in the NFL (ninth among receivers). Meanwhile, his 882 receiving yards is fifth in the NFL.
Finally, the four touchdown receptions ranks 28th in the NFL (22nd among receivers). Sure, that's not very good. However, Jones has never really been a touchdown hound. He had 10 back in 2012, and has had eight three times. He's also had six twice, but also just three in a season and two in another.
Meanwhile, he really has not had any major stinkers. He's had fewer than five receptions just three times this year. Three catches for 42 yards (Week 5), three catches for 79 yards (Week 10) and four catches for 52 yards (Week 4).
He's also had just two games with fewer than 50 yards. The game already mentioned, and six receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown in Week 1.
Meanwhile, Julio Jones has three games with at least eight receptions. Eight catches for 126 yards and one touchdown (Week 3), eight catches for 108 yards (Week 6) and 10 catches for 152 yards (Week 8).
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He's also had four games with 100 yards receiving. Those three games just mentioned, as well as a five catch performance for 106 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2.
So Jones has definitely had more “big” games than “bad” ones.
He was also one of the major reasons for a win in Week 2, with that massive two touchdown game.
That being said, it's still hard to not be a little disappointed in Jones' season. The 59 receptions are good, but with his talent, you'd be excused for wanting a few more.
Admittedly, top-five in receiving yards is hard to complain about at all.
Those touchdowns are upsetting though. I know I said many don't expect a lot from him in that category, but hear me out — Julio Jones had all four touchdowns within the first three weeks of the season.
Yes, touchdowns aren't solely on the receiver. Especially someone like Jones, who teams make sure doesn't beat them in the red zone. Still though, if he could find his way into the end zone a little bit more that would be big and maybe could've helped Atlanta win another game or two.
So in the end, Jones is having a fantastic season. Once again he's proving that he's one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. However, a lot of people could argue he's the best in the NFL.
With that level of talent, you'd hope for something a little more.
