Zay Jones’s Stats: The Most Prolific Third Option?
Receiver Will Stay Relevant Despite Calvin Ridley’s Presence
In what was a surprising 2022 for Jacksonville, the Jaguars had no shortage of heroes. From Trevor Lawrence at quarterback to Darious Williams at cornerback, the team had plenty of players step up. Zay Jones was one of the receiving groups. He flourished as the team’s second option behind Christian Kirk. And now with Calvin Ridley back in the mix, don’t expect Zay Jones’s stats to get any worse.
Zay Jones in 2023 Onwards
Primed For a Better Year?
The consensus might be that with Ridley now in the starting lineup, Jones will see fewer targets. That might be the case. But that could also help him more looks as defenses might key in on Ridley and Kirk more. Jones is slated to start opposite Ridley on the right side with Kirk in the slot.
Last year, Jones saw the second-most targets for the team with 121. Thus, he finished with the second-most receptions (82), receiving yards (823), and receiving touchdowns (five). He also did not have any fumbles and had a higher catch percentage than Kirk at 67.8%.
With Ridley drawing more attention to defense, Jones might post more efficient stats. If he can become a better target in the red zone, he’ll help the team improve in the NFL standings.
He’s already began to show he’s a threat here during the 2023 preseason as he’s hooked up with Lawrence for a two-point conversion in the Jaguars’ first game. Bank on more of this to come from Jones as the Jaguars make a run for the NFL championship game.
Zay Jones’s Player Profile & Stats
Jones came to the Jaguars on a three-year deal worth $24 million. He was drafted by the Bills in 2017 in the second round. Then he was traded to the Raiders in 2019. His stats with Jacksonville in 2022 are his career-best, except for touchdowns. He had seven with Buffalo in his sophomore season (2018).
Career Stats
Zay Jones’s stats for 2022 show a receiver at his peak. Jones had some big games for Jacksonville. In fact, the team is 3-0 when he scores a touchdown and it is also 4-2 when he makes eight or more receptions.
Receiving:
- GP: 95
- GS: 60
- TGT: 432
- REC: 253
- YDS: 2,707
- Y/R: 10.7
- TD: 16
- Y/G: 28.5
- LNG: 59
- CTCH%: 58.6%
Catfight: Do Jaguars Have a Better Trio than the Bengals?
Jones forms one of the most formidable trio of receivers with Ridley and Kirk. In fact, these three may even outdo the Bengals’ own vaunted trio of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd. Ridley and Kirk are capable of producing 100-catch, 1,000+ receiving-yard seasons. And it won’t be shocking if Jones produces as well.
Zay Jones’s stats may not hit the 1,000-yard mark. But he could improve on his five touchdowns. Look for Jones to flourish alongside Ridley and Kirk as the Jaguars improve on their NFL playoff odds.
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