http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar.../601030342/1027Titans say it's now up to Pacman Coach criticizes rookie, calls actions inexcusableBy JIM WYATTStaff WriterThe Titans drafted cornerback Pacman Jones knowing he was on probation for an incident in West Virginia.They waited on him during his contract holdout. They've let his off-field troubles unfold one case at a time. tried to remain patient despite his run-ins with fans, an opposing coach, game officials, a member of the team's equipment staff and even his teammates.Now, Titans Coach Jeff Fisher said yesterday, it's time for Jones to do something for himself and the organization."He has a lot to learn and it is his job now, to learn,'' Fisher said. "We have stuck our hand out. I have, his teammates have, and the organization has. We have extended him a hand, a helping hand, and now he has to take over and be a pro and do it himself.''The rookie's controversial season came to an ugly end Sunday in Jacksonville. He received back-to-back penalties ? the second for allegedly cursing an official ? during the third quarter of Tennessee's 40-13 loss and Fisher benched him the rest of the game."I am disappointed the last two weeks in his play on the field,'' Fisher said. "I thought four or five weeks ago he had made the turn ? but I think he got worn out. I think he became distracted and I know for a fact he has a long way to go to become a true pro in this league."His actions on the field (Sunday) were inexcusable, I don't care whether it is a preseason game, a scrimmage, what have you, you do not respond the way he responded. ? He needs to learn, not only how to become a better cornerback, but a better returner, a better member of a team, and less of a distraction.''Jones made a brief appearance in the locker room yesterday as the players packed up for the offseason. He declined to answer questions from reporters, but did make a brief comment."First of all, I want to apologize for my actions in the game. I crossed the line, I was kind of frustrated but I hurt the team. I can't be doing that," Jones said. "This whole season was a learning experience. I have gotten better mentally and physically and I'm just eager to get back for the next year and hopefully it will be a blast.''Jones started at cornerback the last 13 games. He showed steady improvement in coverage, but stood out in the return game. He went from having trouble catching punts to becoming one of the most dangerous return men.Fisher said he doesn't believe Jones was a dividing force in the locker room and that in light of Tennessee's poor season the players shouldn't speak negatively about their teammates.But on a day when "being accountable for your actions" was a hot topic, several players made indirect reference to Jones."It was such a frustrating season, guys are going to lose their composure and things like that,'' linebacker Rocky Boiman said. "You've got to be professional, man. Flying off, this and that, it ain't going to cut it.''"You have a lot of young guys that are being thrust into a position where they have a lot of money and a lot of attention and they don't realize this is a blessing, a big time opportunity, that is not given to many," tight end Erron Kinney said. "It can't be taken for granted and you can't disrespect the game, you can't disrespect your teammates or the organization.''Fisher said he's not worried about Jones running into more trouble before next season because "he understands there will be no tolerance for any off-the-field legal issues" for anyone on the team."A lot of these things are magnified because you are losing and these things go by the wayside when you are winning," Fisher said. "I don't believe he was a dividing force. There is strong opinion on behalf of a number of players that he could have carried himself differently."That is also my opinion and I am going to see through that he does, because his success in the organization and this community and this league is going to be heavily dependent on that.'' ?Jim Wyatt can be reached at jwyatt@tennessean.com or 615-259-8015.
I know its an old topic but I had to comment I think its good that Fisher isnt going to put up with his crap.When he learns to not act like Terrell Owens,this guy can become one of the elite CB's in the league.
lol,Pacman will definately become something great in the NFL.He already is one of the best kick return men in the NFL.
I've been saying since last draft that I thought PacMan would bust and so far it looks like I might be right, although it is way too early to judge someone like that though.
He's definately not a bust.He brought the Titans return team from almost dead last in the league last year to in the top 5 this year.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (DW20 @ Feb 3 2006, 03:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>He's definately not a bust.He brought the Titans return team from almost dead last in the league last year to in the top 5 this year.</div>You dont spend a top 6 pick on a returnman though.
Towards the end of the year he was showing major signs of improvement at CB too.He will be worth the pic in a few years.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (DW20 @ Feb 3 2006, 06:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>He's definately not a bust.He brought the Titans return team from almost dead last in the league last year to in the top 5 this year.</div>Even though he did mess up his rookie year you cant judge a rookie on thier first season. He is a very athletic player that will be a good player as long as he corrects himself off the field. Henry is a worse case. He is a 1st round talent that just has to many off field problems.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (DW20 @ Feb 3 2006, 03:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Yah,he helped the Titans NONE this season.I dont see why they picked him up </div>I think he was referring to Chris Henry, the WR from WVU that went to the Bengals and just got arrested.Not Travis Henry, but he was kinda useless too.
Ahh well,both Henry's are about the same lol.Travis Henry is a bum too who got arrested and suspended from the Titans for Drug possesion.
When Pacman got drafted I didnt think it was a good pick, I thought they shoulda went with Rolle. I never thought he did that much in college and didnt deserve to go so high. Pacman's short ass needs to stop being a distraction though. I think he can be a good cover corner in the league in a few years if he cleans his act up, but never an elite corner.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (david81 @ Feb 4 2006, 04:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>When Pacman got drafted I didnt think it was a good pick, I thought they shoulda went with Rolle. I never thought he did that much in college and didnt deserve to go so high. Pacman's short ass needs to stop being a distraction though. I think he can be a good cover corner in the league in a few years if he cleans his act up, but never an elite corner.</div>The reason Pacman was rated as the best cornerback coming out is because he is better in man to man coverage and has good recovery speed. Rolle is solid hitter but is not as fast and is not considered a shutdown corner that can stay step for step with NFL wideouts. The thought was that he was better suited as a safety and I believe he can be an ALL-Pro if he is moved there.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AdropOFvenom @ Feb 3 2006, 10:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I've been saying since last draft that I thought PacMan would bust and so far it looks like I might be right, although it is way too early to judge someone like that though.</div>He's been far from a bust. He had a shaky start on the field, but I think his turnaround game was the Raiders game. After that, no receivers had really good days against him. They finally started letting him man up on some people. I think he has the potential to be a shut-down corner so long as he gets his head screwed on straight. All this being said, he's just going to be useless until he does get his head screwed on straight. Like someone else said, he's also boosted our return game from one of the worst to top 5.
