Versatile Patriots Defender Named All-Pro By NFL Coaches

The New England Patriots had a great season, and their players are being recognized for their efforts.

While the Patriots prepare for the Super Bowl, media outlets are releasing their All-Pro Teams and Award winners. The Sporting News’ All-Pro Team is voted on by NFL head coaches, and they named Marcus Jones the All-Pro punt returner.

“Jones averaged a robust 17.3 yards per punt return and scored two touchdowns among his 21 attempts,” wrote Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer.

Jones was named a Second-Team All-Pro by the Associated Press, with Tennessee Titans rookie Chimere Dike being named First-Team All-Pro. Jones signed a three-year, $34.9 million extension in October and has been great this season.

Dike and Jones were tied for the league lead in punt return touchdowns with two each. Jones’ efforts on special teams have been important, but what he has done on defense cannot be overlooked.

He has played in every game this season and had three interceptions, two sacks, 65 tackles, one interception returned for a touchdown and three fumble recoveries in the regular season. In the playoffs, he has one sack and 14 tackles. He also scored a touchdown on an interception return against the Houston Texans.

Jones does everything he is asked to do at a high level. He was an AP First Team All-Pro as a punt returner as a rookie, and was also named All-Pro by coaches in the Sporting News All-Pro Team. This year, he earned the All-Pro nod from head coaches but not media members.