Jones Named Special Teams Player of the Week

Mark Jones had already been singled out as one of Sunday’s key players in the Carolina Panthers’ win over the Green Bay Packers last weekend, but yesterday the kickoff and punt returner received even more recognition for his contributions to last week’s game. Yesterday, the NFL named Jones the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, marking the first time in his career that the incredible athlete has been honored with the award.

Jones more than deserved the recognition, as his three kickoff returns for more than 45 yards in last week’s game set the Panthers up for the 35-31 win over the Packers in what would have been a very close game otherwise. Mark Jones was on fire Sunday, finishing the day with 201 total kick-return yards, which is the most racked up by any Panther since 2001, when Steve Smith garnered 267 yards in a Carolina-St. Louis showdown. Jones was crucial in Sunday’s game setting up a good field position for Carolina, as all of his kickoff returns of more than 40 yards ended in touchdowns. Mark Jones is the third Panther to win a player of the week award this season, as Jake Delhomme and Julius Peppers have also taken home the honors in Week 4 and Week 10, respectively.

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