Jacoby Jones re-signed with the Ravens this offseason, and he's still very much his usual, outgoing self.
Asked about referring to new Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak as his biological father earlier this year, Jones delivered one of the best quotes of the summer.
"First, I need to get that DNA test," he said. "I'm going to steal his coffee and swab the cup and figure it out. I have to make sure."
Jones has especially good reason to be happy. He's got his good friend and coach back with him in Kubiak, and he's more rested than last year. Now, Jones is setting lofty goals.
"[I'm] trying to be one of the best receivers in the league," he said.
Jones has never put up numbers that compare to some of the NFL's leading pass catchers, and it would be difficult for him to do so in 2014. But there's good reason to think he could have his best season yet as a Raven.
Jones caught 37 passes for 455 yards and two touchdowns during an injury-shortened 2013 campaign. He missed four games due to a knee injury suffered in Week 1 in Denver. The year before, he caught 30 passes for 406 yards and one touchdown.
His best years as a receiver were when he was with the Texans and Kubiak.
In 2009, Jones set a career-high with six touchdown receptions. In 2010, he set career-highs in catches (51) and receiving yards (562). In 2011, his final year as a Texan, he averaged 16.5 yards per catch – his highest number outside of 2008 when he had just three snags.
Now Jones brings his familiarity of Kubiak's system to the Ravens. He was asked whether it fits him well.
"No doubt," Jones said. "Every time when I see it, I'm like, 'I already know this.' Still in there computerized – five years of it."
Jones could see a fair amount of deep balls headed his way. Kubiak's West Coast offense sets up such opportunities with a heavy dose of running that draws the safeties in, then occasionally throws over the heads after using play action.
"Don't sleep on that," Jones said of the deep passing game. "If you're going to sit there and play that all game – you're going to give it to us – why not? Just chip away and throw it down the field… You'll be stupid to sit there. Bye, bye!"
Jones is also feeling physically stronger this offseason than last, which should help him stay fresher.
Last year ended in February with Super Bowl XLVII, so that afforded less rest immediately after the season. Jones also went directly into training for "Dancing With The Stars," which caused him to miss the team's strength and conditioning program and one week of organized team activities.
"Well, my hips are not as loose. I can tell you that," Jones joked. "But no, actually, I was able to rest. I let my body heal. … I actually feel even better. [I'm] in shape now that I came back for offseason workouts."
