There’s a singular, great clip that always comes to mind whenever the topic of Julio Jones rises to the occasion. And it’s a clip that’s oddly memorable seeing as I have zero recollection of where it came from or when I first heard it. But it resonates, it sticks. And the reason it sticks is because it’s said by Larry Fitzgerald—an inarguably all-time great receiver in his own right—said in passing to a rookie-fresh, mic’d up Kyler Murray before an Arizona Cardinals-Atlanta Falcons matchup in 2019.
Here it is on YouTube, because of course it’s on YouTube, and it will still be on YouTube when the clouds clear and the dust settles from humanity’s eventual apocalypse—right there with the Star Wars kid.
“Number 11? Dog, you’re gonna see some shit today. He’s the best I’ve ever seen. I’m serious. He’s so special, he’s got no weaknesses. No weaknesses in his game.”
Again, that’s Larry Fitzgerald saying this, who walked NFL circles with Randy Moss and Cris Carter long before he started dominating them. The name holds extra weight. But if you’d rather take the word of a bunch of other NFL greats, there’s plenty of that to go around on YouTube, too.
Alas, that was the Julio Jones of 2019. Prime Julio. 114 Catches for 1,841 Yards and 11 Touchdowns vs. the Buccaneers Julio. 2022 Julio is an enigma—a Bucs signing not too far detached from when Tampa Bay picked up Antonio Brown. Only unlike Brown, the only people who despise Julio Jones are Julio Jones’s hamstrings. And for the past two seasons—one with the Falcons, one with the Titans—they have super despised Julio Jones.
So how should Bucs fans set their expectations? Neither Matt Ryan nor Ryan Tannehill are Tom Brady. And the soon-to-be 45-year-old G.O.A.T. has a solidified history of boxing out Father Time whenever he creeps too close to his coveted assets. As Tampa Bay starts training camp, there are four essential schools of thought:
Set the Bar at Rock Bottom
If you expect nothing from Jones, then any return on the seven-time Pro Bowler has to be considered a success. It’s a risk-free route, for sure, but also the least fun. Maybe he makes a dazzling catch or two. Maybe he starts the year hot before the dreaded hammies catch up in Week 4. Either way, you’re no chump. You saw this coming the whole time. And properly invested your No. 3 stock in fellow former Falcon, Russell Gage.
He’s Solid Depth for an Already Stacked Receiving Core
Don’t need him, but glad to have him! You’ve spent years watching Jones torch the Bucs and are happy to watch them return the favor with a garbage time touchdown in Atlanta. But realistically, and especially with Chris Godwin’s miracle knees feeling good, Jones is a nice red zone target and coverage draw for guys like Mike Evans and Godwin. If Jones can snag 30-40 balls and collect a few first downs in the process, you’re a happy camper.
He’s a Fully Clothed Antonio Brown
The third down-converting possession monster that once was AB is now JJ. He’s going to see teams delegate their coverage to the likes of Godwin, Gage and Evans and make them pay, those sick fools. But the idea of Jones as a No. 1 stat-filler is still an irresponsible pipe dream for your liking.
The Return of Larry Fitzgerald’s Julio Jones
You’re dreaming big and calling your shot. Optimus Prime is back, and Alex Guerrero is here to massage those wham-strings into smooth-sailing sports vehicles of offensive assault. By midseason, the chemistry between Jones and Brady is so palpable that ESPN talking heads practically explode making Jones-2007 Randy Moss comparisons. You’re taking him in the fifth round of your fantasy draft. Telling coworkers abound “I told you so” come Week 15.
Screw it, let’s roll with that last one.