Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones is now within striking distance of breaking the league record for most catches in a season.
Jones became the franchise’s career leader in receptions in a single season with a 12-yard catch in the third quarter.
Falcons wide receiver Roddy White held the mark of 115 catches in a season, which he accomplished during the 2010 season.
“Nothing,” said Jones when asked what it meant to hold the franchise record. “It’s more about trying to win and help my teammates.”
Jones did have some kind words for White, who took him under his wings when he came into the league in 2011.
“He’s been like a mentor to me,” Jones said. “But records are made to be broken. (Rookie Justin) Hardy or one of these young guys will probably come along and break my record.”
Jones had 109 catches for 1,426 yards before facing the Jaguars. He had nine catches for 119 and a touchdown against the Jaguars. The 12-yard grab was Jones’ seventh of the game.
Jones has 118 catches for 1,544 yards and seven touchdowns on the season.
With two games left to play, Jones has an outside shot of breaking the league mark of 143 catches in a season which is held by former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison. He set that mark in 2002.
Earlier this season, Jones had 13 catches against the Giants on Sept. 20 and followed that up the next week with 12 against Dallas. If he can repeat that feat, he’d be tied with Harrison.
Jones did his part to help end the Falcons’ six-game losing streak with another strong performance.
He carried the offense early when the Jaguars were determined to stop the rushing attack.
Late in the game, when he was getting extra attention, Hardy and veteran Roddy White made some key third down grabs.
“We have the potential to do that, spread the ball around,” Jones said. “Like you saw today, we have plenty of guys who can make plays. Hardy made a couple of key third downs. Roddy made a couple of key third downs. Those were big catches in the game for us.”
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