FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- On Matt Ryan's first completion of the 2013 season, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback found Harry Douglas open on an 11-yard curl as Julio Jones drew triple coverage from the New Orleans Saints in the middle of the field.
Such attention is something Jones has grown accustomed to facing as one of the most explosive receivers in the league. And he refuses to let such defensive strategies deter him.
"I have to go out there and go full speed on every play because it's no telling what's going to happen," Jones said. "I've caught a ball with two people on me before, you know what I mean? I get doubled all the time. I've still got to make a play because those guys are counting on me to make the play in those situations."
Jones, who missed most of last season following a right foot fracture, again declared himself 100 percent healthy in preparation for Sunday's season opener against the rival Saints. He showed flashes of his signature explosiveness during the preseason, including when he took a quick slant against the Tennessee Titans and broke lose for a 52-yard touchdown while shaking off three defenders in the process.
Who knows if the Jones will get the same opportunity come Sunday. Whatever happens, he knows he has capable teammates alongside him -- even without retired tight end Tony Gonzalez -- in Roddy White, Douglas, and new addition Devin Hester.
The Saints can't double-cover everybody.
"The Saints know us, and they know I'm the guy to kind of get our offense going," Jones said. "And they key on me moreso -- it was me, Tony, and Roddy. But they really haven't seen too much on Devin. I hope that helps. I hope they've seen that they have to (defend him), because he can make plays. He'll make a bunch of plays for us. Also, Harry.
"We don't know what to expect, but we know going into this game, I'll probably get doubled the most; probably me and Roddy. And those other guys will get singled up, or the (running) back will get singled up."
And if the Falcons win the majority of those one-on-one battles, the offense should flow rather smoothly.
By the way, Jones has 26 receptions for 336 yards and two touchdowns in five career games against the Saints, but the Falcons are 1-4 in those games.