Should Kevin Jones Be Starting? - 20Yardline
Should Kevin Jones Be Starting?
After becoming the first running back to lead the Lions in rushing in each of his first three seasons since the legendary Hall Of Famer Barry Sanders, Mike Martz came to the Detroit Lions and envisioned number 34 Kevin Jones as Detroit's version of another great running back, Marshall Faulk.  Jones has all the tools to take over a game, from his explosive running style to being a versatile receiver out of the backfield.  Although currently second on the Lions' depth chart, Jones has the experience and the skill to jump back into the starting role sooner rather than later.

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After missing games at Green Bay, at home versus Chicago, and on the road at Dallas, Kevin Jones was placed on the PUP (Physically Unable to Play) list on December 12, 2006.  Jones was having a fantastic season in 2006 as he amassed 1,209 yards total while only playing in 12 games.  He stayed on the PUP list throughout the preseason of 2007 but was activated with the hope that he could return to form to help propel the Lions' running attack.

This season Jones took his first carry to the house scoring against Philadelphia on September 23rd.  That was one of the many individual bright spots in a game against the Eagles in which the Eagles simply annihilated the Lions in Philadelphia.  Since that day, Jones has been steadily improving and taking more attention away from Tatum Bell who was brought in this season in case Jones was unable to play.

Number 34 has made some highlight reels since coming from Cardinal O'Hara High in Chester, PA, including rushing for 196 yards against Arizona on December 5th, 2004, which included a 74 yard run--the longest of his career.  Jones has many more highlights awaiting with the weapons in his arsenal if he can stay healthy. As his carries increase, he’s got an excellent shot of taking back his number one spot on the depth chart.


By T. Lloyd, 20Yardline.com
October 11, 2007