Is it possible that one of the best young wide receivers in the NFL is only getting better? In Matt Ryan's opinion, they can. Julio Jones has emerged as one of the best receivers in the league and the Atlanta Falcons quarterback is confident that he will only get better. Jones made changes to his workout plan and his diet this offseason and the improvement is showing.
Jones put up 1,198 yards on 79 receptions last season that turned into 10 touchdowns. The idea that he is only getting better is almost scary.
"Man, he just continues to get better," Ryan said. "He's coming into his third year. I think he's really starting to come into his own in terms of his confidence and understanding what we are doing offensively."
Ryan has noticed several changes in Jones as the team kicks off training camp. The quarterback says Jones is no longer over-thinking when he steps out onto the field. He is confident in what he is doing and just goes out and makes the best play possible. Along with the mental change, Jones stopped eating pork in his diet while adding nine pounds of muscle. The extra weight has not hurt his speed, but it has made his tougher to cover.
"When I go out there and put the helmet on, it's time to go to work. I really don't care who is in front of me, I just go to work. That's what I think is helping the young guys out as well. Just going out there and playing Julio. Just going out there and being me and not bringing it down a level. I'm raising the bar for them and bring their play up to my level. "
Jones does not have a specific goal in mind for himself this upcoming season. The wide receiver is only thinking about one thing, the Super Bowl. According to Jones, the Pro Bowl and a certain number of yards are nice, but the ultimate prize is playing in the big game at the end of the season.
"No, no goals for myself. It's all about the team," Jones said, via the team's website. "I've always been like that. People always say 'you don't have any personal goals?' No, I don't have any personal goals. I don't want to sell myself short."
Pairing alongside Roddy White, the Falcons are set up with what might be the best wide receivers tandem in the league. With both players looking improved in training camp, the Super Bowl might not be out of reach.
