7/28: If his current attitude persists then downgrade Jones. Mysterious injuries are the mark of a stupid player. He worked hard to build himself to the point where he could have a good season and is squandering all of that work by being petulant.
If he would have just continued with a good attitude and looked at the bigger (Superbowl) picture, then he probably already would have been rewarded. This smells like an agent induced ploy; and that stinks!
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When asked by the fantasy football index, I chose Chicago to represent the N.F.C. in the Superbowl.
They are blessed, and the first blessing was the hiring of Lovie Smith.
A complete set of returning starters, an easy ride through the season, a dominating defense, a strengthened and emerging offense, a division championship, a probable first round playoff bye, and an air of destiny wafting through the hallowed halls of Ditka's former home.
And, then there is the reality of personalities.
It's hard as a fan to reconcile what appears to be a foolish move. We think of the team and the glory of victory.
The player thinks of his career, his liabilities and his dwindling, and at risk, assets.
When Thomas Jones sat out workouts and voluntary mini-camps, my heart sank.
Jones had a great year in '05 and with a great o-line and an easy schedule he seemed a lock for a great year.
He's strong and healthy, has honed his craft hoping for years to get a big break. I'm starting to feel, that, like the rings of a tree, good football players can evolve with the layers of muscle gained through the hard work of early years in the league.
Drafted out of college, many players are still developing into the men they will become. Jones needed a few years to build his body and talents. He bided his time behind other backs for years until finally getting his chance to shine.
It's almost as if the stars aligned for him and, even though Cedric Benson was drafted to be the lead, Jones stepped from behind the curtains and stole the marquee.
His holdout for a new, and probably deserved, contract was ill timed and ill conceived.
I guess the frustration, the waiting for a break, the long days of anxiety got the best of him.
Unless you are a football god, demanding a contract never works.
Causing problems, right when your team is looking on a magical season, is wrong. No one likes to be held hostage or extorted. A team player recognizes when his team needs him the most and is there for his mates.
It can be argued that he also needs to take advantage of the best leverage for his future. That he needs to get all he can, when he can.
Yet, if Jones quietly, unselfishly helps his team to a great season, let alone to a championship; if he develops into a great player and an invaluable asset to his team, then he will be rewarded.
Oh yea, that sounds like the Rudi Johnson story.
And, it could still happen.
The two holdouts will be there at camp.
The Bears have been rewarding contracts all over the team and have been one of the first teams to sign all their draft picks.
Jones needs to work hard and be humble. If he can do this he will have the starting job on opening day instead of the still developing and learning Benson; and he will shine.
Even if they start Benson, I think that Jones will win the job before the year is through.
With Grossman backed up by the very hungry Greise, and Muhammad, hearing the rumors swirling around the league, feeling his pride rise up within him (not to mention Berrian and Gage); the offense will be well balanced and potent.
I've analyzed this back and forth and obviously I'm still high on Jones. I believe that he has seen the error of his move, and the Bears understand why he made it.
They will accept back their errant child, the prodigal son; and with time, Thomas Jones will be paid.
I think he will be fine and will reward me for my confidence in him.
You need to make your own call.
