Once a promising NFL rookie, St. Louis BattleHawks running back is XFL rushing leader
Taken in the third round of the 2015 National Football League draft by the Washington Redskins, running back Matt Jones rookie season showed some promise.
After leaving the University of Florida following his junior season, Jones rushed for 490 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie. But after two injury-plagued seasons with Washington and the Indianapolis Colts, he was released by Philadelphia in the 2018 preseason.
The XFL and St. Louis BattleHawks have given the 26-year-old renewed promise.
After a pair of solid efforts in the BattleHawks’ first two games, Jones helped ignite a football-starved crowd at the Dome at America’s Center last week when he ran for 95 yards and a touchdown in a 29-9 win over the New York Guardians.
“The crowd ... it was unbelievable man. When we got off the bus at the stadium in the morning, the greeting we got really got us going — and it was like that all day,’’ Jones said. “We wanted to give them a great product to thank them for their support. We came out and took took care of business.”
The 6-2, 240-pound Jones made sure the BattleHawks took care of business early.
A pair of runs to open the game resulted in 13 yards and a first down. Then Jones broke loose for a 47-yard gallop inside the New York 15-yard line.
On the next play, Christine Michael scored on a 14-yard run as nearly 30,000 fans blew the lid off the Dome.
“We wanted to come out and make a statement early that we could run the football. We kept hearing all week how big and physical they (New York) were and coach (Jonathan) Hayes felt it was important that we get off to a good start,’’ Jones said
“The offensive line was great all day. Those guys really came out firing on that first series. The energy level and the adrenaline was pumping all day. I was just happy to do my part.’’
Jones and the BattleHawks look to improve to 3-1 on the season when they play host to the Seattle Dragons (1-2) at the Dome at America’s Center on Saturday beginning at 4 p.m.
In the meantime, Jones’ 224 yards on the ground lead the XFL through three weeks.
Jones said one of the major reasons the team has been successful in the early going is due in part to its team concept.
“This group of guys ... we’re tight. It’s a total team atmosphere whether we’re on the practice field, on game day or when we’re together at the functions we attend throughout the city,’’ Jones said.
Follow the leaders
While Jones leads the league in rushing, several other BattleHawks are ranked among the XFL leaders in various statistical categories.
Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu is second in passing yards (612) and third in quarterback rating (102.3). Ta’amu leads in passing percentage at 75% (62-of-82) and is currently fifth in rushing yards (123).
Wide receiver De’Mornay Pierson-El is tied for fourth in receptions (16), safety Dexter McCoil is tied for fourth in tackles (20), defensive end Andrew Ankrah is tied for the lead in sacks (2)
Attendance up in the XFL
Thanks to the overflow crowd of 29,554 for the St. Louis-New York game, the XFL’s attendance figures continued to rise last week.
The four XFL games drew 81,942 fans, compared to 69,818 in week one and 76,285 in week two.
Tickets still available
A crowd of over 29,000 is expected to pack the lower bowl at the Dome at America’s Center for a second straight week when the BattleHawks host Seattle, but team personnel said Wednesday afternoon that there are still tickets available.
The game will be shown on Fox Channel 2 beginning at 4 p.m. The BattleHawks are on the road the next two weeks with games at Washington DC on March 8 and Tampa Bay on March 14. St. Louis returns home on March 21 to host the Los Angeles Wildcats.
Scouting the Dragons
Coached by former Seattle Seahawks and Washington Redskins quarterback Jim Zorn, the Dragons will enter the Dome at America’s Center with a 1-2 record and coming off a 24-12 loss to the Dallas Renegades.
Quarterback Brandon Silvers, who played college football at Troy State. is the Dragons offensive leader, throwing for 467 yards and six touchdowns.
On the bottom the XFL’s West Division standings, the Dragons have scored only seven touchdowns in their first three games. But BattleHawks coach Jonathan Hayes knows the Dragons could present some concerns.
“It’s a good football team. I’m glad to be playing them here instead of flying to Seattle with the short week of just having played on Sunday. That’s a tough thing top have to do,’’ Hayes said.
“They can run the football. They give you a lot of different looks on defense and their special teams are solid. If you aren’t disciplined with your eyes, they can cause some problems.’’
This story was originally published February 28, 2020 at 10:47 AM.
