National Football League

Packers coaches downplay WR Jones' complaints

Published Sep. 15, 2011 11:10 p.m. ET

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The Packers coaching staff doesn't seem particularly concerned that wide receiver James Jones is complaining about his role in the offense.

Wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett says he wants players who want to contribute as much as they can.

''But again, the key is, making the most of your opportunities,'' Bennett said. ''When your opportunities come, take full advantage of it. And for him, they'll come.''

Jones caught one pass for one yard in last Thursday's season-opening victory against New Orleans - the only time he officially was targeted by Aaron Rodgers all game.

Asked this week about his relative lack of production, Jones said the ''main focus'' is that the Packers won the game. But going into Sunday's game at Carolina, Jones also made it clear that he wants to be more involved.

''I understand we've got a lot of weapons, so I'm not saying I want the ball every play,'' Jones said. ''But I think I deserve to be on the field more than I was.''

Jones said he was on the field for approximately 19 of the Packers' 73 offensive snaps Thursday.

''Something like that,'' Jones said. ''Not too good. Not too good. And I want to say half of them were `jumbo' run plays. I'm here, I practice hard, work hard, do what I've got to do and hopefully the opportunities come my way.''

Jones considers himself a potential No. 1 receiver, but apparently didn't get the right offer in the offseason. Jones tested the free agent market after the lockout ended but re-signed with the Packers after other teams looking for receiver help turned elsewhere.

And while he might have complaints about the number of snaps he played, Jones says he isn't unhappy with Rodgers.

''I don't bother Aaron,'' Jones said. ''Aaron throws to the open guy. He's been good throwing to the open guy. Aaron doesn't tell me to sub into the game. So if I'm not in the game, he can't throw it to me on the sideline.''

With only so many passes to share among a talented group of receivers, Rodgers pleaded with reporters this week not to make a big deal out of whichever player comes up short on the stats sheet after each game.

''That's going to get a little bit ridiculous,'' Rodgers said. ''It is week one, it's a long season and I'm going to throw it to the open guy.''

The Packers certainly have a lot of good receivers to keep happy this season, but offensive coordinator Joe Philbin doesn't expect complaints from players to become commonplace.

''I don't think this is going to be a weekly event with somebody,'' Philbin said. ''It is what it is, but we want those guys to want to contribute. But we want to, obviously, do it in a positive fashion - constructively.''

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