His slick name is only matched by his slick game.
Atlanta receiver Julio Jones is on a tear right now that has left his first three opponents with their collective tails firmly between their legs.
With new coach Dan Quinn bringing a new-found energy and instinct to the Falcons squad, Jones and quarterback Matt Ryan are meshing better than ever before.
Jones huge 6-4″ 224lbs frame provides him with the physical tools required to be an elite wideout in the NFL but its his sensational route running, sure hands and toughness with ball in hand that make him the complete package.
Jones has no peer in the NFL right now.
With three games – all Atlanta victories – in the book, Jones has banked 34 receptions for 440 yards and four scores.
His three-game numbers are NFL records when it comes to receptions and is the first player in league history to surpass 135 yards in three straight matches.
The Alabama graduate has 27 consecutive games with 50+ receiving yards and despite Roddy White’s visible decline in production – no catches in past two games – Jones is continuing to burn opposing cornerbacks.
Philadelphia’s big money acquisition Byron Maxwell was burned for 11 catches, 141 yards and two touchdowns on the season-opening Monday Night Football.
Week two saw the 26-year old stroll into the Meadowlands and torch the New York Giants’ defenders for 135 yards on 13 receptions.
This week it was a banged-up Dallas team that saw the back of Jones’ jersey as he scorched them for 164 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Week four sees the undefeated Falcons host a Houston defensive group that boasts most of its talent up front with JJ Watt, Brian Cushing and former No.1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney.
The Texans defensive front will need to apply pressure to Ryan because on the form displayed thus far, no Houston defender in the secondary will touch Jones.
Johnathan Joseph, Kareem Jackson and safety Rahim Moore will be charged with minding No.11.
He’s unlikely to keep this pace for the entire season but currently, Jones is on target for 2,347 yards – easily an NFL record which is set at 1,964, thanks to Detroit’s Calvin Johnson in 2012.
In a time when wide receivers are among the most valuable commodities in pro football, fans are blessed with a multitude of superstars.
Antonio Brown, Odell Beckham, Demaryius Thomas, AJ Green (who dropped 227 yards and 2 TD’s on Baltimore) and Johnson lead the way when it comes to WR’s.
Injured Cowboy Dez Bryant also comfortably sits with the aforementioned players when healthy – and catching balls from Tony Romo, not so much Brandon Weeden.
What the rest of the season will bring for Jones and his record-breaking run is unknown, but for now, let’s just sit back and enjoy the ride.
And for all you Julio Jones fantasy owners – thank your lucky stars!
(Check out this ESPN Sports Science segment on Julio’s remarkable size and soft hands – he also breaks a World Records just for fun)
Josh Jenkins Sports 