Even though the 2021-2022 season did not live up to his standards, CJ can still show that he is one of the best at his position this upcoming season.
After having a nine-sack season, CJ’s mindset going into next year is bringing life back to Sack Nation. He started off last year as our primary defensive end but moved back inside after the addition of Melvin Ingram, which worked out great for the defense.
Even though Jones came into last season in the best shape of his life, his inexperience at DE showed. He did not react to the run well and did not set the edge, which allowed big gashes in the first part of the season. Although, he is considered to be one of the best to get to the QB, playing DE in the league is a different beast and not everyone can make the transition.
Chris Jones can earn respect back this season by focusing primarily on playing defensive tackle and gaining some of that weight back he lost last season to play DE. I think this is the best solution for Jones because he was the second-best DT behind Aaron Donald, which is a notable achievement since Donald is considered the best at that position (and one of the best defensive players of all time).
What he accomplished at the beginning of his career shows the transition should have never happened in the first place. I think the move happened to try to earn a DE salary instead of DT, but with him being one of the best at being an interior threat, he would eventually get what he deserved. I feel this upcoming season will be a career year for CJ and I think he will eclipse 15 plus sacks and resurrect Sack Nation in the 2022-2023 season.
