Julio Jones shredded defenses with regularity last season, and the fifth-year wide receiver is expecting more of the same for the Atlanta Falcons offense in 2015.
In an interview of The Rich Eisen Show, Jones said the Falcons’ attack will be explosive under new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.
“It’s definitely gonna be different from the previous years, but I think we’re going to be real, real explosive this year—not only in the passing game, but the running game as well.”
Quarterback Matt Ryan tallied 60 completions of 20-plus yards in 2014, which ranked third in the NFL. However, the Falcons offense only managed eight gains of 40 or more through the air, seven carries of 20-plus yards and three of at least 40.
Atlanta’s hope is that Shanahan’s zone-blocking scheme will allow Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman and Antone Smith to consistently find running lanes, subsequently giving Ryan more time in the pocket to find a collection of talented receivers highlighted by Jones.
In 2014, he accumulated 164 targets during 15 outings. Jones finished the campaign with 104 receptions, 1,593 yards and six touchdowns.
Jones and the Falcons open the 2015 slate against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football on Sep. 14.