Sibling Rivalry Spills Over Into AFC Championship Game

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Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Matt LaPan, Go Local Sports Reporter

Sibling rivalries are a part of life. As children, brothers are constantly at competition. From scuffles over small issues to competition in sports, brothers are born to push each other to the limit. It is rare that that sibling rivalry gets to continue into professional sports. For the Jones family, however, that rivalry will take place on the field at Gillette Stadium in the AFC Championship game.

This will happen when New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones and his brother Arthur, of the Indianapolis Colts, take the field on Sunday. With the brothers competing against each other, which brother will have the bigger impact this week?

Case For Chandler

Chandler Jones was expected to have a breakout season for the Patriots in 2014. He appeared to be on track for a great season — registering 4.5 sacks through his first seven games. It was a Week 7 hip injury against the New York Jets that derailed the hopes of a truly special season.

Since returning, Jones has displayed fresh legs and a solid push. Although he has only registered 1.5 sacks since his return, Jones has done a good job as a disruptive force. His presence has helped the Patriots defense become a dominant 2nd Half defense.

Jones will go up against Anthony Castonzo on Sunday. Castonzo is known for his Week 11 touchdown reception against the Patriots, and the touchdown celebration that followed. The 6-7 tackle bolstered an offensive line that allowed just 29 sacks on the season. 

Case For Arthur

Arthur, much like Chandler, had high expectations for 2014. He was one of the top free agent signings by the Colts, coming to Indianapolis after spending the first three seasons of his career with the Baltimore Ravens.

Arthur played in just nine games for the Colts, registering 1.5 sacks. Although he did not have gaudy stats, Jones became a difference maker when it came to stopping the run. The dismal Colts run defense has allowed 99 yards per game in the postseason, more than 10 yards per game less than in the regular season. This change has come about thanks to the emergence of Jones.

Jones has a great opportunity to make an impact on Sunday, as it appears that the Patriots offensive line will not be at full strength. With center Bryan Stork likely out with a reported MCL sprain, starting guard Ryan Wendell will move in to play center and Josh Kline will likely play right guard. Jones will likely line up on the left side of the Colts defensive line, meaning he will get a chance to work against Kline. The disadvantage is that he will also have to deal with a healthy Sebastian Vollmer, who has been playing at a Pro Bowl level late in the season.

Advantage…

The advantage in this matchup goes to the youngest Jones, Chandler. Jones’ fresh legs will allow him to use speed around the edge against Castonzo. While Arthur will perform well when facing Josh Kline, he has a very tough assignment in dealing with Vollmer.

Both brothers will make a noticeable impact, but this time baby brother will win the sibling rivalry and punch his ticket to Super Bowl XLIX.

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