Ravens fans haven't gotten to enjoy Jacoby Jones' trademark dances yet this season.
Baltimore's eighth-year wide receiver has just three catches for 20 yards through three games. Typically a speedy vertical threat, his longest reception has been for 11 yards.
On Monday, Head Coach John Harbaugh was asked about what may be affecting the receiver so far.
"I personally think he's just pressing a little too much," Harbaugh said. "I think he's just trying too hard to make a play. He wants to make a play so much, instead of just letting his talent flow."
On Sunday, Jones had a golden opportunity for a long gain in the fourth quarter bounce off his fingertips and fall to the turf. Jones has been targeted with nine passes but hauled in just three.
"That one [yesterday] – you run through that catch," Harbaugh said. "Just run through it, make the catch. He started shortening his steps and extending his arms a little early, and then he inevitably pulls his arms back in."
A defender was barreling down on Jones, and he likely would have taken a hard shot had he made the catch. But it's one that Jones would be the first to say he needs to to make. Facing a third-and-long on the next play, quarterback Joe Flacco was hit and intercepted. The missed opportunity could have been a critical turning point in the game.
While the Ravens have a lot of pass catchers outside of Jones this year, they could still use more explosion from him offensively.
Jones caught 37 passes for 455 yards and two touchdowns last season and was expected to perhaps elevate his numbers now that he's reunited with his former head coach in Houston, Gary Kubiak.
"He's going to make those plays," Harbaugh said, referencing the deep opportunity. "I've got confidence in him."
Jones isn't the only receiver who hasn't put up big stats this year. Outside of Steve Smith Sr., four other Ravens receivers have caught a collective 14 passes for 150 yards.
