Jones Leads Jets' Offensive Attack

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Thomas Jones waited. The ball arrived. Jones was gone.

The New York Jets running back pulled in a screen pass from quarterback Brett Favre, darted left, cut upfield, eluded two tacklers and dove headfirst into the end zone.

A simple Favre-to-Jones connection in the left flat was a quick 10-yard touchdown.

The Jets had a 6-0 lead over the Tennessee Titans with 9 minutes, 1 second left in the first quarter.

And Jones had already made a major mark in a game that eventually ended in a 34-13 Jets victory over the previously undefeated Titans Sunday afternoon at LP Field.

“That first drive was really a tone-setter,” Favre said. “It sure sent a message that we were capable of scoring.”

The 5-foot-10, 215-pound Jones collected 96 rushing yards on 27 carries. He added 21 receiving yards and one touchdown on three catches.

Jones keyed a New York (8-3) offensive attack that racked up 409 total yards and 28 first downs against a Tennessee (10-1) defense that came into Sunday’s game ranked sixth in the NFL in total defense and first in scoring defense.

“The past couple weeks we’ve come together as an offense,” said Jones, who was born in Big Stone Gap, Va., and attended Powell Valley High School and the University of
Virginia. “Everybody’s playing their role, and they’re playing their role to the best of their abilities. … I think that’s what’s making it work. … Everybody’s trying to do their individual job, and that’s why it’s paying off.”

Jones, who holds the Virginia High School League record for single-season rushing yards with 3,319 in 1994, increased his AFC-leading rushing total to 950 yards on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Jets added another big-time victory to a surprising season that currently includes a five-game winning streak.

“It feels good to be able to go out there and win … that’s why we play this game, is to win,” said the 30-year-old Jones, a nine-year NFL veteran. “You can go out there and have a whole lot of yards and not win and your work is for nothing. So, for us to win the way we’re winning as a team … and having this many guys that can make plays, it’s just a great feeling.”

While the ageless Favre (25-of-32 passing for 224 yards and two touchdowns) carved through the second line of the Titans’ defense with efficient, take-what-is-given slant routes and crossing patterns, Jones filled in the gaps and did what it took.

Jones — head down, arms pumping — pounded out short gains on the ground.

Jones collected air on fake handoffs and served as a decoy, deceiving the Titans’ defensive secondary while Favre played pitch-and-catch with an assortment of receivers.

And when the Jets needed power and movement on the ground, Jones led the march.

“Thomas is a workhorse,” New York fullback Tony Richardson said. “You look at his physique – he spends a lot of time in the weight room. He spends a lot of time in the classroom.
He’s just a student of the game,”

Jones’ most important run of the game was one of his shortest: A 1-yard carry on third-and-1 at the Titans’ 8-yard line with 5:04 left in the third quarter.

Jones’ short burst gave New York what it needed: a first down.

Three plays later, Favre connected with wide receiver Laveranues Coles for a 2-yard touchdown, giving the Jets a 20-3 advantage and serious breathing room.

Jones’ selfless sacrifice and dynamic attack drew praise from New York center Nick Mangold.

“TJ’s fantastic,” Mangold said. “His work ethic during the week carries over into Sunday. The way he runs and his attitude; the look in his eyes when you get the play dialed up. He’s been doing a great job.”

NOTES: Jones has rushed for 349 yards and four touchdowns in his last three games. … He has scored at least one rushing or receiving touchdown in six out his last seven performances.

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