Packers Fan Journal

What? The Three Amigos? Yeah. The Three Amigos: James Jones, Jordy Nelson and Ruvell Martin. How will they perform this year? Let’s find out right after this clip from The Three Amigos:

Whenever a first down is needed, you will find… The Three Amigos! Or, you know, one of them at least. I think that dance would draw an illegal motion penalty. Ok then, here we go…

James Jones

Last year Jones was decidedly unlucky as he battled a nagging knee injury that kept him off the field. Only once did he flash the potential he showed so consistently as a rookie, and that was against Jacksonville, late in the season.

In 2007, Jones posted more catches and more yards than Greg Jennings did as a rookie in 2006. If all had gone according to plan, the Packers might have had three star receivers on their hands. But alas, that didn’t happen that way and Jones had a 2008 he likely wishes he could erase. That aside, Jones has all the physical tools and toughness, as well as ability to go fight for the ball, and win.

In 2009 Jones will stay healthy and have a strong season while nipping at Donald Driver’s heals for the number two spot. Look for him to build on his rookie season and emerge as a big play threat, especially when Aaron Rodgers is forced to scramble. By 2010, Jones and Driver will be in direct competition for the number two receiver spot.

James Jones’ 2009 Projection

With about 3,000 yards split up between Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, and James Jones, that doesn’t leave much for Jordy Nelson, Ruvell Martin and the Tight Ends.

Jordy Nelson

Jordy Nelson will also pick up where he left off as rookie while acting as the team’s number 3a and 4 receiver. Nelson will steal some of Jones’ plays at number three, depending on the package, but with so many receiving threats someone’s going to get the short end of the receptions stick. I’m going with Nelson based on Jones’ seniority and that Nelson’s strengths seem to lie in moving the chains.

Over half of Nelson’s catches last year resulted in first-downs. Of his three red zone catches last year, two were for first downs, and one was for a TD. 60 percent of his catches inside the Packers’ 20 went for first downs as well. Nelson has the speed to develope as a deep threat in the future, but for now, in his direction will be where Rodgers looks on 3rd down with 7 yards to go.

Jordy Nelson’s 2009 Projection

Ruvell Martin

Last, but not least, is Ruvell Martin. Rumor has it that Martin may have a tough time holding off Brett Swain for the fifth receiver spot. I don’t buy this rumor. Martin is coming off of a poor 2008, but his strong raport with Rodgers and his ability to make the most of his opportunities will relegate Swain to the practice squad. Martin doesn’t need to have a break out season to be an important part of the offense. He just needs to make plays whenever he’s called upon. In the past, he has always responded and this year will be no different. Look for Martin’s production to improve slightly from ‘08 while he makes important, if not big plays running slants, posts and fades.

Ruvell Martin’s 2009 Projection

That’s it for the Three Amigos. In case you haven’t guessed it by now, by the time we get to Aaron Rodgers, I’ll be predicting a doozy of a season. But you’ll have to wait on that. Up next, Donald Lee and Jermichael Finley.