Belichick, Patriots wary of Jones' nose for the ball

BY SEAN DONOVAN

Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones may have been denied a Pro Bowl nod this season, but he has emerged as one of the better play-making defenders not just in the AFC, but in the league.

And though the third-year defensive back may not be getting the national recognition, his opponents are certainly aware of his abilities.

"He’s been involved in a lot of big plays lately," Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said, according to Patriots.com. "I think that’s where he jumps out at you."

Belichick's Patriots host Jones' Dolphins this Sunday in a rematch of a Week 13 game which New England won 23-16. Jones recorded a sack and an interception off of Tom Brady that day.

The Dolphins, despite having a solid season on the defensive side of the ball, have struggled to create turnovers and force big negative plays for opposing offenses. But Jones has more than done his part, leading the team with four interceptions and recovering two fumbles.

The 2010 fifth-round draft pick is coming off a game where he was responsible for three takeaways, including an athletic goal-line interception. The play-making factor adds to Jones' developing reputation for being a good all-around safety.

"He recovers fumbles, he’s a tough kid in the box, he does a good job of tacking," Belichick said. "He’s around the ball a lot."

Jones' nose for the ball and versatility has been a huge contributor to Miami fielding the league's sixth best third down defense and the top-ranked red zone defense.

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