Julio’s Return
January 7th, 2023
It’s always a special day when a slam dunk Hall of Fame player like Julio Jones goes back for the first time to face the team for which he forged his legacy.
That’s what will happen tomorrow when the Bucs head to Atlanta for the season finale against the Falcons.
Is Julio a Hall of Famer? Consider that in the history of the NFL, only one player averages more receiving yards per game than Julio. That’s Justin Jefferson of the Vikings. Behind Julio at 87.9 yards per game is Hall of Fame receiver Calvin Johnson at 86.1. (Behind him as Antonio Brown at 84.2).
Julio also is a seven-time Pro Bowler who ranks 23rd all-time in career catches with 903.
Joe expects Julio to get some love for the crowd Sunday. Joe also expects Tom Brady to target Julio early to get him a catch or two so he can hear the cheers in a big way.
Julio’s relationship with the Falcons fell apart late in the 2020 season and he was traded to Tennessee in March of 2021. But Julio is beloved in Atlanta, and he did not play against them last season.
The Bucs have squeezed 10 games and 24 catches for 299 yards and 2 touchdowns out of Julio this season, in addition to him drawing a few hearty pass interference penalties. Given his injury history, Joe’s not sure the Bucs could have expected too much more.
In many ways, however, Julio was signed to perform in January. As a pending free agent with a ton of pride and work ethic, Joe expects Julio will answer the bell.
January 7th, 2023 at 10:39 pm
Hopefully he doesn’t injure himself further. We need all of our offensive weapons if we are to make a dent in the playoffs.
January 7th, 2023 at 10:59 pm
Julio just might have a fresh set of legs for one last good run. Wouldn’t surprise me if he starts ballin’.
January 7th, 2023 at 11:26 pm
Where is Ira’s podcast?
January 7th, 2023 at 11:27 pm
I thought Julio still had the chronic strain of the labrum majora and would be inactive.
January 7th, 2023 at 11:43 pm
Think you got your years wrong there Joe.
January 8th, 2023 at 1:56 am
I think you suffer from chronic strain of the labia majora Goatfarmer
January 8th, 2023 at 7:17 am
Lol yeah I was gonna say isn’t the Labrum part of the shoulder?
January 8th, 2023 at 8:50 am
JJ should have retired, our worst FA pick-up. We paid him $6m to sit on the bench and get a final curtain call in ATL. Dumb.
January 8th, 2023 at 10:19 am
@FrontFour Says: totally correct, one horrible FA signing…..should have kept Alex Cappa
January 8th, 2023 at 12:44 pm
And Gage with a return as well??
January 9th, 2023 at 4:55 pm
Simply the goat and that’s all I have to say