Staying faithful for shot at history

Mark Jones hopes to end Bucs' streak of scoreless kickoff returns.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Published October 3, 2007

"That's how I approach all of them, that this is the one," said Mark Jones, the latest player attempting to end the Bucs' streak of 1,862 kickoff returns without a touchdown.
	[Brendan Fitterer | Times]

ADVERTISEMENT [Brendan Fitterer | Times] Mark Jones had a career-high 35-yard punt return against the St. Louis Rams on Sept. 23.

TAMPA - If you return kickoffs for the Buccaneers, it's important to keep the faith.

That's why it helps to be the son of a preacher man.

"That's how I approach all of them, that this is the one," said Mark Jones, the latest player attempting to end the Bucs' streak of 1,862 kickoff returns without a touchdown.

"Every kickoff return, I say, 'This is history right here.' My guys believe in me, I believe in my guys blocking, and when you've got that good feeling on the inside, then you know that nothing can stop you."

Jones, 26, began the season on the couch. He was a surprise casualty of the final roster cut before the start of the regular season.

The Bucs faced scrutiny for their decision to keep four quarterbacks - including Chris Simms - and Jones was collateral damage.

But the fourth-year pro from Tennessee who has been signed or released six times by the Bucs never stopped believing. It's a lesson he learned growing up the son of a minister in Wallingford, Pa.

"That was pretty much it. I just stayed consistent to the Word and continued to work out physically and stay in shape," Jones said. "I didn't talk bad about anybody or ask why or tried to figure it out myself. I just said, 'Lord, it's in your hands.'"

Jones wasn't sure what to expect after watching receivers Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard make long punt returns Sept.9, only to have them called back because of penalties.

"I did watch the game with my neighbor, and I was cheering the guys on as if I were on the sideline," Jones said. "As hard as it was, not being out there and seeing Joey get good looks and Ike get good looks, I'm like, 'I guess I'm not coming back.' But at the same time ... I understand it's a business, and if they chose to keep four quarterbacks and I happened to be the odd man out, then so be it."

Jones was re-signed Sept.12 after David Boston was released amid the fallout from his DUI arrest.

So far, Jones has been a big part of the Bucs' 3-1 start. For the first time in his career with the Bucs, Jones is getting a chance to serve as the primary kickoff and punt returner. He ranks second in the NFL in kickoff returns, behind the Lions' Casey Fitzsimmons, with a 36-yard average and has a career-best 14.6 yards per punt return.

In a win over the Rams two weeks ago, Jones had a career-high 35-yard punt return and a personal-best 36-yard kickoff return.

"When you're an offensive player or coach, you do better when you have the ball (repeatedly) in good field position," coach Jon Gruden said. "Mark made two plays (against the Rams) that had a lot to do with the victory."

The transition from returning punts to bringing back kickoffs has been an easy one for Jones.

The approach, however, is different. The ball is easier to catch on a kickoff, but you rarely can call for a fair catch and have to start upfield at full speed.

Special-teams coach Rich Bisaccia says he's responsible for Jones not returning kickoffs in 2006. Running back Michael Pittman and cornerback Torrie Cox combined to average 21.4 yards. "That's really my fault he didn't do it a year ago," Bisaccia said. "He certainly was capable. I guess I didn't want to put too much on him."

At 5 feet 9, 185 pounds, Jones has always been overlooked. He was a seventh-round pick by the Bucs who was released and claimed off waivers by the Giants.

"When you hear all the time- he's not big enough, he's not fast enough, he's not strong enough, he won't make it long enough - it kind of motivates you," Jones said.

"I probably would say that I'm just more focused this year. ... I'm trying not to get ahead of myself. That's a big difference for me from last year to this year."

Now about being the first to ever return a kickoff for the Bucs.

"I know what I did the past (three) weeks, but I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for me this week."

[Last modified October 2, 2007, 23:57:46]