Matt Eberflus turned heads this week when he was asked why the Chicago Bears benched Velus Jones against the Miami Dolphins. The 3rd round pick was declared inactive despite being healthy. He stated that the team wasn’t obligated to give him playing time unless earned. Jones had flubbed three prime opportunities to make big plays for his team, muffing two punts and dropping what would’ve been a 50-yard pass. With Chase Claypool arriving via trade and Byron Pringle due back from IR, Jones doesn’t have a clear lane back to the field anymore. Luke Getsy soon took his turn answering the same question.
The Bears’ offensive coordinator said the decision was part of the ongoing process of finding the right combination to open up the passing game. He also alluded that Jones hadn’t made an impression on special teams, which is often essential for rookies to see action in the NFL. While he hasn’t lost faith in the young receiver, Jones needs to prove he can be more consistent before getting another chance.
Luke Getsy is not beholden to draft status.
From the start, this coaching staff has made it clear that playing time is earned with them. That is why Teven Jenkins, a former 2nd round pick, got demoted in favor of 5th round rookie Braxton Jones. If you don’t perform up to their standard, they’ll give the job to somebody who does. Jones has talent. Lots of it. What he doesn’t have is consistency. His hands have shown time and again that they can’t secure the football cleanly. That is a big problem in the NFL.
His blunders have directly cost the Bears opportunities to win games. Luke Getsy and Eberflus would only let that slide so long before doing what was necessary. Now Jones will have to earn back their trust. That will take time. Claypool will get more work in the coming weeks. Pringle is almost back. Equanimeous St. Brown and N’Keal Harry are more reliable run blockers. It is a sobering outlook for the rookie. Opportunities in the NFL can disappear fast if you waste them.
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