Raiders’ Taiwan Jones inspired by veteran additions
All it takes is seasoning. Fourth year cornerback Taiwan Jones is poised for a breakout year. He explained that veteran influence and pedigree has him working harder thank ever.
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“I truly believe that it’s different here,” Jones said, via Raiders.com.
Free agency additions Justin Tuck and Lamaar Woodley have championship experience, which fuels Jones’ passion.
“When you have veterans that have been in the game a long time and that have been able to accomplish the goals that we’re trying to accomplish this year, it definitely feels good because you get to see and hear advice from those guys and hear them say that we’re close and that it’s possible,” said Jones. “It makes you want to work that much harder. You see how hard they’re working and it just carries on. It’s a ripple effect for everyone.”
The former running back may need a kick in the butt if he wants to start making an impact on defense. He will need to spend more time in the weight room and, particularly in film sessions. Now more than ever, it seems, he has good examples to follow.
“There’s a lot of guys staying and doing extra; putting in extra work and watching extra film,” he said. “Doing the things that they don’t have to do, but things that you expect from a championship team.”
Whether he finds a place in the Raiders secondary or not, he will definitely make an impact on special teams. Jones led the team with 14 special teams tackles. “Special teams is definitely my niche,” he said. “It’s what helped me get my extension, but of course whatever position is tagged in front of my name, I definitely want to help there.”