Game report: Jones' struggles continue

FOXBOROUGH — Things got off to a pretty decent start for Cyrus Jones in the Patriots’ preseason opener against the Jaguars when he cleanly fielded a punt and kickoff.

After his struggles last season, which included five fumbles on 11 punts that led to him being inactive for five of the last six games of the year (including the Super Bowl), just fielding the kicks cleanly was an accomplishment. It also built on his solid training camp to this point, where he was making the most of his opportunities on special teams, and providing good coverage in the secondary.

But all the good vibes ended quickly as Jones allowed a 97-yard touchdown to Keelan Cole, and a 42-yard score to Dede Westbrook.

On the first, a third-and-6 play, Jones didn’t lay a hand on Cole as he easily breezed by the former Alabama star, who won’t endear himself to the coaches with his lack of effort chasing down the play.

On the second play, Jones wasn’t great but it didn’t appear to be totally his fault. The Patriots looked to be in Tampa 2 coverage, which is a normal situation for them. Jones squatted the short route, which he’s supposed to do because the safeties play wider than normal and provide over-the-top protection. But Jordan Richards didn’t get there, and both players were burned for the easy touchdown that put Jacksonville up 31-17 before the end of the third quarter.

After that play, Jones played safety for the first time in his two-year Patriots career. It could be taken as a sign that he’s now headed for a Devin McCourty-like career turn (the captain was floundering as a corner but revived his career with a switch to safety), but Bill Belichick said after the game the team only had three safeties available for the game and not all of them could finish.

Jones also averaged just 19.5 yards on six kickoff returns.

This performance puts Jones squarely on the roster bubble as the team prepares to head to West Virginia for practices with the Texans ahead of next Saturday’s second preseason game in Houston.

We weren’t able to ask him about the game or his situation because Jones declined to speak to reporters after the game. Not a great way to finish a tough night.

THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Starters sit: Just about every Patriots starter, and some veteran backups, did not play in the game. That list: QB Tom Brady; RBs James White, Rex Burkhead and James Develin; WRs Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell, Cody Hollister; TEs Rob Gronkowski, Dwayne Allen, Matt Lengel and James O’Shaughnessy; OL Marcus Cannon, David Andrews, Shaq Mason and Tony Garcia; DL Malcom Brown, Lawrence Guy, Trey Flowers and Vincent Valentine; LBs David Harris and Kyle Van Noy; DBs Malcolm Butler, Patrick Chung, Stephon Gilmore, Duron Harmon, Nate Ebner. Several players were not suited up for pre-game warmups: WR Matthew Slater, CB Eric Rowe, RB Mike Gillislee, LB Dont’a Hightower (PUP), LB Shea McClellin, OT Tony Garcia, OT Andrew Jelks (NFI), LT Nate Solder, DT Alan Branch (PUP).

Unsung heroes: TE Jacob Hollister (seven catches, 116 yards), WR Austin Carr (five catches, 44 yards, touchdown) and WR K.J. Maye (six catches, 34 yards, touchdown) made the most of their opportunities with several clutch plays to help the Patriots put up points.

Your buddy Roger dropped by: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell made an appearance at Gillette ahead of the Thursday night opener. Now he’s just taunting you Patriots fans.

https://twitter.com/NFLprguy/status/895808690179248130

THREE UP

QB Jimmy Garoppolo: After a lackluster start that was reminiscent of his practice struggles, the backup went on a tear to finish 22 of 28 for 235 yards and two touchdowns (125.4 rating).

RB Brandon Bolden: Thought to be on the roster bubble with the arrival of Mike Gillislee and Rex Burkhead, Bolden managed to take advantage of their absences. He had 57 total yards on seven touches, including a 24-yard run. He continued to look quick and can fend off tacklers.

WR Austin Carr: Had five catches for 44 yards, but it seemed like all of them were of the highlight variety, including this score.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/895811492506775552

THREE DOWN

S Jordan Richards: He was brutal on the second touchdown Jones gave up (and probably more at fault), and also on Corey Grant’s 79-yard touchdown. Richards continues to be a liability against the run and pass. He’s another second-round pick that could be on the chopping block.

CB Cyrus Jones: Aside from his coverage issues, Jones also had problems tackling and finding running room on kickoffs.

RB D.J. Foster: Had a touchdown on a nice toss left that let him walk into the end zone, but his fumble short circuited another drive and we know how Belichick feels about fumbles. Had just 7 yards on four carries as well.

INJURIES

DL Deatrich Wise Jr., who was one of the stars of training camp to this point, went down early in his stint with a head injury. It appeared he took a helmet to the back of the head and went down quickly. LB Elandon Roberts also looked very groggy coming out of the game at one point and did not return.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN?

Pass rush is one of the big issues for this team and it probably wasn’t a great sign that they registered zero sacks and zero official quarterback hits. It wasn’t the starters, but still it’s notable.