The Atlanta Falcons have not looked good this season, and they got even worse news this week when it was learned that wide receiver Julio Jones will be out for the season.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported on Wednesday that foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson confirmed Jones has a fractured foot. The Falcons confirmed the report and say Jones will have surgery on Monday that will knock him out for the year. This is the same foot that Jones had surgery on after a fracture was discovered at the NFL Combine in 2011.
Atlanta’s offense ranked seventh in the league last year in scoring and eighth in total yards. They’re 13th in the league this season with 24.4 points per game through five contests. To me, one of their biggest problems has been Roddy White’s health. White has been hampered by his ankle and other injuries this season and hasn’t been the same, dominant player he usually is. With White at maybe half strength, and now Jones out for the year, the Falcons’ passing game is done.
Did you see the coverage the New York Jets put on Tony Gonzalez on Monday night? They double-covered him and put him in a double-vice throughout the game. Without Jones around, that will surely continue. The only good news is like Steve DelVecchio told you, Harry Douglas is a good replacement, though few receivers are close to Jones’ level.
