Tyreek Hill, a wide receiver for Miami, had a conversation with cornerback Xavien Hardy on Thursday as the Dolphins entered a second-day joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Hill stated, “I had a chance to talk to X and I’m like: ‘Dude. How are you feeling today? Hill said that he felt good and said, “I feel good man.” I was like, “How were you yesterday?” He replied, “I didn’t do well.” I gave up a pass for Julio. I asked him, “So, what are you going to do today?” He replied, “Man, I’m going kick his arse today, dawg.” It was not something I liked.
“It motivates me to keep striving to improve each and every day.” It drives me to strive to improve each day.
Hill used the conversation to show Howard as an All-Pro. It also provided some insight into Jones. The seven-time Pro Bowler, who suffered two seasons of hamstring injuries, is back making all-stars feel outplayed.
Jones stated, “Just going out there 60%, 70% and just feeling like you can compete, that’s what I did in the past.” But now, I just keep my eyes open for it. The proper treatment, proper rest, and other such things. Simply taking good care of myself every day. You can stay ahead of the curve so you don’t get behind and then try to catch up.
Howard did not get his rematch with Jones on Thursday. The Bucs awarded the day to the Foley High School and Alabama standout.
Due to hamstring problems, Jones missed seven games each of the two previous seasons. In the 2020 and 2021 seasons, Jones had 82 receptions and 1,205 yards of receiving. He also scored four touchdowns. From 2014 to 2019, Jones’s total yards and receptions exceeded his previous season.
Jones stated that he feels great on Thursday. “I feel like everyone here has done a great job together in keeping everybody healthy. They do an amazing job. It’s exciting to be here. I love being me and coming to work. It’s that easy.
Jones was a free agent after the Tennessee Titans released Jones in a salary-cap dump in March. He signed with Tampa Bay on June 26.
Jason Licht, Bucs general manager, said that he has been “more than I expected,” during a Thursday appearance of “The Ronnie and T-Kras show.” To get the deal done, I spoke with his agent all summer. They were wonderful. He was with Casio when he met me for the first time. There was no flash. He wants to help his team. I replied, “Hey, we have limited numbers at his point. This could change once the final cut is made. He replied, “I don’t care how many you give me. Give me a number.
Tampa Bay already boasted one of the most talented wide receiver duos in the NFL with Chris Godwin and Mike Evans.
Jones stated, “I just came out here and just been me.” It’s not like I’m going downgrade myself, my play style, or who are I. There are others 1’s out here, other players who have done great things for this league for a long period of time. Each day I must approach every day as Julio Jones. I don’t say, “Well, they’re going ask this of me or that.” I set a standard for myself.
Godwin and Evans combined for 172 receptions, 2,138 yards and 19 touchdowns during the 2021 regular season. The Bucs’ tight end Rob Gronkowski retired after catching 64 passes for 918 yards in the regular season. He also scored seven touchdowns this offseason.
Even though they play different positions in the team, Jones is Gronkowski’s replacement, Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles stated.
Bowles stated that Gronk’s catches must be replaced and that it was impossible to do so with the conglomeration we have. Bowles spoke on SiriusXM NFL Radio. We don’t have the tight end to do that so why not get another wideout, create different packages, and still be able to play, and attack you differently? We come up with new ideas and start playing ball this way. Gronk will be missed, but you won’t know that all the other men can catch the ball, and they will replace his catches. We have to do other things in order to catch the ball and make those catches. …
“(Jones has length. He is able to play both outside and inside. It is hard to find four good corners in a team, but we have four great receivers so he can fill the gaps to make up for those missed catches.
Jones admitted that he is catching the Tampa Bay playbook even though he has been with the team for less than three weeks.
Jones stated, “Everything’s coming my way.” “In football, you don’t want it to be difficult to think. It should become second nature. It’s been easy to learn, but I am quickly picking it up.
Bowles announced on Thursday that Quarterback Tom Brady had left the team to address “some personal matters” and will not be returning before Aug. 21. Jones does not expect this to slow down his progress.
Jones stated, “We all know how to play ball.” Jones said that they have been playing for some time and are now just going out and having fun, letting loose.
The NFL Preseason Game between the Dolphins and Buccaneers takes place at 6:30 p.m. CT Saturday at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida.
Jones has not played in a preseason match since 2017.
Jones stated, “I’ve been doing it for 12 years now,” when Jones was asked about his participation in the Bucs’ preseason three-game schedule. “This is my 12th season. I’ll get it.”