Chandler Jones: Pros let the pads to the talking, not mouth
By Cameron McDonough
FOXBORO, Mass. — The “Patriot Way” isn’t just a saying for Chandler Jones — it’s the only way he’s ever known.
The defensive end was taken by the Patriots in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, and he has played in New England ever since. That means he is familiar with the way coach Bill Belichick expects his players to handle themselves publicly and on the field, which he embraces.
“This is the only NFL team I’ve been on, so the coach ‘Belichick Way,’ or the ‘Patriot Way’ is the only way I know,” Jones said. “That’s all I feel like is the right way, so that’s what I go by.”
The way the Patriots handle themselves is on full display this week as they prepare for Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills.
Ryan may be coaching a new team, but he’s still up to his old ways. The former New York Jets coach had a few things to say about the “hated Patriots” this week ahead of their Week 2 matchup. He wasn’t the only one, though. His players also didn’t hold back on their opinions of their AFC East rival.
But that’s not how things are done under Belichick in New England. Instead, the Patriots let their play on the field speak for itself, which is how Jones likes it.
“That’s how you’re a professional,” Jones said. “Professionals should carry themselves that way. Let the pads do your talking and not your mouth.”
Keeping things close to the vest only works if the players buy in, which rarely appears to be an issue in Foxboro. Jones believes that has a lot to do with the type of players Belichick recruits.
“We have a group of guys here — not to compare anyone — we do have a group of guys here that are buying in 110 percent to what the coaches are coaching,” Jones said. “I feel like coach Belichick does a good job of recruiting guys that are intellectual and have a lot of football experience to add and they are able to adjust.”
Jones didn’t just start handling himself this way when the Patriots drafted him. It’s something he was taught growing up, and it has stuck with him ever since.
“Personally, that’s just how I was raised, being quiet through it all,” Jones said. “Just let people see you and not hear you.”
The “Chandler Way” appears to be working just fine.
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