The trials of Adam Jones have been well chronicled, he is a head case to say the least, but one thing’s undeniable, he is a very talented player. Players like this need to be dealt with, with a firm hand and up until this point that has not been the case. Tennessee’s head coach Jeff Fisher has not been known as a disciplinarian, as much as a players coach who allows his players many latitudes, vocally as well as behavior wise. Upon his arrival in Dallas Jerry Jones spoke of discipline in dealing with Pacman, but neither he nor Wade Phillips, not known as a hardline coach by many, exercised much discipline in regards to Pacman. That situation reeled out of control, leading to his present banishment from the NFL.
Now there’s talk that teams like the Lions, 49′ers and Bengals have expressed interest in signing the much maligned, but talented CB. Many will undoubtedly say, that he’s not deserving of a third chance, but if one can for a second stop and think about the NFL it’s Owners, GM’s and Head Coaches and their desires to win, the thought of a look and see is understandable. If he can be talent wise, two-thirds what he was, without all the off the field headaches, he could be an asset to the team that’s willing to take the risk.
Looking at the suitors; he has history with Lions head coach Jim Schwartz, Schwartz was his def coordinator when the Titans drafted him out of West Virginia, and he had two phenomenal years for the Titans before his off the field woes got him suspended. Schwartz knows his on field capabilities, but if he couldn’t influence Pacman to get his act together then, what leads him or the Lions organization to believe it’s possible now. With the many troubles that have plagued the Bengals, head coach Marvin Lewis would be looking at another potential headache if he becomes a Bengal. With all of the run ins with the law that his players have had over the years, the tragic death of Chris Henry this past season, and the teams inability to realize their potential on the field, the signing of Pacman and a subsequent run in would spell doom for a head coach that is probably already heading into this season with his head on the chopping block. The 49′ers seem like the most logical fit, head coach Mike Singletary is a no-nonsense kind of coach. If the sternness and disciplinarian style that Singletary implements doesn’t get Pacman on the right track, I’m not sure there is another head coach in the NFL that can once and for all get the message across. Ultimately Pacman has to change his ways because he has grown up and chooses to do so. A firm handed coach and organization that’s willing to lay down rules and regulations, hold his feet to the fire and make clear the punishment, is what’s necessary to help this young man figure it out and get his life and career back on track. If he doesn’t, he can look back and blame no one but himself, for opportunity and prosperity was there repeatedly for the taking, and he thumb his nose at it, rather than take advantage of it a first, second and third time.
Seth Joyner
03/30/10
