Bengals cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones, a fifth-year pro, has had a rocky start to his NFL career, to say the least. His brushes with the law are documented.

Putting the negative aside, though, Jones is transitioning as a player, and he turned in another solid performance in last Sunday’s 23-20 win over Cleveland.

“I was excited to be back on the field running around with my teammates,” Jones said. “I felt good out there and believe I played well. More important, we got the victory.”

The cornerback blanketed Browns’ receivers, limiting them to minimal gains and/or opportunities. Jones was thrust into the starting lineup after Leon Hall was lost to a season-ending Achilles injury.

After a 12-month layoff due to a neck injury, Jones returned to the field this season against Seattle. His only play of the game was a 63-yard punt return and he subsequently suffered a hamstring injury. He missed the next two games only to return the following week to make two touchdown-saving plays against Baltimore.

The Bengals will need a big-play performance from Jones against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

“This week we face an even bigger challenge in Pittsburgh,” Jones said. “We’re still in the hunt. It’s going to be hard each week, but if we can grind out a victory we’ll take it. We probably have one of the toughest divisions, if not the toughest in football. Our team is up for the challenge.”

Many people have tried to write the troubled cornerback off, but he keeps clawing his way back, proving to be one tough hombre. You never hear much about Jones the player or teammate. It’s always overshadowed by negative events.

According to Clif Marshall, performance director at Ignition, Jones brought a high level of intensity to the players’ organized workout during the lockout. Marshall said Jones was boisterous, yes, but worked hard and raised the performance of his teammates. Marshall added that Jones was likely the best all-around athlete in attendance and was never out-worked.

Jones has earned the respect of the coaching staff and teammates in Cincinnati with his regained focus. You can see that in the locker room. He’s assumed somewhat of a leadership role this season, preaching to others what it will take to get to the next level.

“Believe,” Jones said. “Everybody needs to stay on the same page. Coach (Marvin) Lewis has done a great job with us being on the same page. All we have to do is correct the little things and play hard. You can tell that this team is starting to believe because no one holds their head down when faced with adversity. I’m happy and enjoying every minute of being a part of this team.”

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