Few players have had as tumultuous of an NFL career as Bengals defensive back, Adam Jones. After an explosive start to his career with the Tennessee Titans, things spiraled out of control after a violent weekend in Las Vegas back in 2007. It's been a long road back to redemption, but Jones has hit his stride--on and off-the-field--since joining the Bengals back in 2010.
This week, Pete Prisco of CBS Sports proclaimed linebacker Rey Maualuga as the Bengals' most overrated player. and now subsequently has reviewed the most underrated player on each team. For Prisco, Adam Jones is the most underrated player on the Bengals.
Forget the antics. Forget all the talk. He might have had his best season in 2015. Maybe his swagger is what makes him so good. Jones, formerly known as Pacman, had an impressive season in coverage in 2015. Not bad for a guy who turns 33 in September.
What supports the notion:
His versatility: As good as Jones has been at defensive back, his split duty as a return man may have had an even bigger impact on the Bengals--especially in recent years. With three interceptions in 2015 and his overall leadership in the secondary, coupled with his continuing to pop big plays on special teams, he's an all-around asset to the team.
Like a fine wine, Jones gets better with age: Something must have clicked when Jones was approaching his 30s. Since 2013, Jones has put together three of his best seasons, both as a defensive back and return man. He's logged three interceptions in each of the last three seasons, and even Pro Football Focus saw his potential as an underrated player dating back to a few years ago.
More accolades for PFF junkies: Aside from the nod given to Jones by PFF as a "secret superstar" in 2013, he was also named as an alternate to their 2015 midseason All-Pro list and was their No. 3 free agent cornerback on the market this year. Not too shabby for a guy who is approaching 33 years of age.
What contradicts the notion:
The Wild Card ending: We hate to pile on to the guy after something that occurred nearly eight months ago, but the way the Wild Card game ended wasn't a good look for the veteran. After doing a 180 in his personal life, some of his old traits reared their ugly head and he couldn't control his emotions.
Accolades in 2014-2015: If a player receives an All-Pro nod one year and a Pro Bowl berth the next, can he really be deemed "underrated"? In 2014, Jones was named an All-Pro return man, while making the Pro Bowl last year as a cornerback. If Maualuga is seen as overrated while never getting named to either list, how is Jones underrated while gaining the nominations?
Do his past transgressions still outweigh the current positives?: For the record, I think this sentiment is rubbish and it sounds like Prisco agrees. However, the national media still likes to paint a certain picture of Jones, especially after the Wild Card incident and subsequent fine. While he's greatly valued among Bengals fans, teammates and coaches, national perception of him may be more about his past than his actual on-field performances.
What's your stance on Adam Jones being the Bengals' most underrated player?