Jones on improving against the Bull rush: "I just got to get better" |
LAKE FOREST, I.L. - With all of the changes in Chicago’s offense, one thing that remains the same from last season to this upcoming season is Braxton Jones will be the Bears’ left tackle.
Jones missed six games last season due to a neck injury but continues to have the mental balance to persevere through injuries. “I’m back. I’ve been going (through) the ramp-up and making sure everything’s going period to period, and each period, I take more, just making sure everything’s good. But, I’m back running smooth,” Jones said. “I think the biggest thing for me is just keeping a mental balance all the time and just knowing that it’ll be alright and just trusting the head trainer … process for me and everything that he’s done for me through those injuries and just keep on going and battling through them. It is football at the end of the day. So, there’s going to be injuries.” Going into his third season, he should be one of the better offensive linemen in this starting lineup. However, his technique and ability continue to be issues, going against the bull rush. He still has one year left on his contract, but this is an issue that must improve if he hopes to have a long career in the NFL. “I just got to get better, plain and simple. I know what it is. It’s year three of the same bull rush and I think it’s just got to translate and it’s got to be something that I see go from the individuals to one-on-ones to team, and it’s kind of taking a break right in the middle of there and one-on-ones and stuff like that,” Jones said. “But, this just goes back to drilling it over and over again and just knowing that’s what I’m getting with some guys. I just got to be better technically and being more mindful as well (in that) situation with my technique.” The offensive line room overall is quite young. This is part of the reason Jones is expected to take on a greater leadership role this upcoming season. For someone who has always led by example, becoming a vocal leader has been difficult for him. “It’s definitely tough. I’ve always been like a lead by example. But I think it’s definitely that time of having a little bit more say, and it’s tough for me. I, obviously, haven’t been on the field too much in the main points. But, I’m starting to get back on the field, which is great. So, I got to find my role in that and be better in those situations and speaking up,” Jones said. “So, I definitely feel a little bit of, not weight on my back or anything like that, but I definitely got to say my say. I’ve been in crunch-time moments in the game before. I’ve been in all those moments. So, I can definitely have some say in those moments.” Jones’ difficulty becoming a more vocal leader is the exact opposite of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who has been a strong leader in training camp thus far. Jones stated that the Heisman winner is positive, energetic and has been navigating the pocket well. “Caleb’s a great kid. He’s constantly trying to (get into us when) it’s us making the mistakes as a unit or whatever it is. He’s trying to get us going and just be better. We got to be better for him at that situation. But, that kid, he’s electric. He just comes out there with a great attitude, just focused on getting better everyday, just like we all are. So, when we’re having those ups and downs, we’re trying to get it fixed as a unit and it’s no single man’s fault. But, he does a great job just keeping a level head and trying to get us better as well,” Jones said. “I think he navigates the pocket well … I just think for myself, just trying to carry people deep and not give up any inside pressure because that’s the easiest way to the quarterback first of all. We all know that. But, just carrying guys deep. He’s really, really good at feeling pocket presence and feeling when guys are around him.”
