It's intermission of Marvin Jones' fifth and potentially final act with the Lions, and the audience is restless. Jones' performance has left lots to be desired.
But then, so has his role.
Jones spent his first four years in Detroit seeing about seven targets per game. He checks in this year at 5.1, the fewest of his career since his second season with the Bengals. So it makes sense that after averaging north of 60 yards per game over his first four years in Detroit, Jones checks in this year at 38.5, the lowest of his career since his rookie season.
And it makes sense that when asked on Friday how he'd assess his first half of the season, Jones sort of shrugged and said, "First half? Just opportunities. Just taking control of my opportunities. When the ball comes to me I just catch it, no matter how many come. That’s pretty much it, that’s all I’m going to say about that."
Then he laughed and added, "So don't even ask me another question about that."
Duly noted.
Jones has said all the right things this season, even while admitting to frustration with his lack of chances to make plays. Of course he's been frustrated. The team is losing, the passing attack is listing, and Jones is longing to do more . As it is, he's turned 25 catches into 19 first downs and four touchdowns. The latter ranks second on the team.
"You just gotta keep your head in the game and know that when it comes to you, you gotta do something big with it," Jones said. "That’s my philosophy every time. Just take control of my opportunities and when they come to me, make something happen."
Jones, 30, will be a free agent after this season. If this is indeed the beginning of the end of his time in Detroit -- starting Sunday at Ford Field against Washington -- it sounds like we're in for a big finish. Because Jones was indeed asked another question about his performance thus far, specifically whether he's seen enough opportunities.
"Let’s see these next eight weeks," he said. "I think it’ll be pretty good, I think they’ll be pretty good."
And why's that?
"We'll see, let's see," he said with a smile. "Let's see together."
At least one reason for optimism is what's happened of late. Jones has 162 yards and three touchdowns over his last three games. He's made more of the big plays he became known for in his first game and first season in Detroit.
Another is the ongoing absence of Kenny Golladay, even if Jones would prefer the alternative. Jones has 16 targets in Golladay's four full games this season, compared to 25 in the four games where Golladay has been injured.
With Golladay (hip) set to miss his second straight game Sunday and the Lions preparing to face the best pass defense in the NFL, Matthew Stafford will need his longest-tenured receiver in a big way. And he'll need Jones in a big way for every game that follows, if Detroit has any hope of saving its season -- and perhaps salvaging the final act of what's been a pretty good show.