He played well in week one versus Washington, but Mac Jones took his game to another level in Thursday’s matchup between Patriots and Eagles for NFL Preseason.
Jones replaced Cam Newton in the second quarter and guided the offense to three touchdowns. He drove the ball downfield and balanced New England’s attack on drives of 91, 75, and 70 yards. Josh McDaniels saw his rookie quarterback sustain possessions of 17, nine, and 10 plays on drives. Jones displayed a lively arm and had seven of his 13 completions result in first downs.
Check out the zip on this @MacJones_10 throw. #NFLPreseason
📺: #NEvsPHI on @NFLNetwork (or check local listings)
📱: https://t.co/PMCIWFqcJn pic.twitter.com/PSjwM3YkFh— NFL (@NFL) August 20, 2021
.@MacJones_10 converts a 3rd & 13 to @NkealHarry15. #NFLPreseason
📺: #NEvsPHI on @NFLNetwork (or check local listings)
📱: https://t.co/PMCIWFqcJn pic.twitter.com/i64qRVsGye— NFL (@NFL) August 20, 2021
When the Patriots went no-huddle, Jones was at his best.
RELATED: A strong performance against the Eagles is paramount for Mac Jones’ prospects of supplanting Cam Newton as Patriots starter
He continues to be in command of the offense and is pushing Cam Newton for the starting job.
Newton had the lone touchdown pass to represent all quarterbacks; however, New England is blown away by Jones’ performance in the pocket. He has shown smooth footwork, poise, and confidence in leading the group with accuracy. The former Alabama standout was 13-for-19 passing with 146 yards and a 91.1 passer rating in a 35-0 victory over the Eagles. He is constantly showing fans and national media why New England was comfortable taking him at No. 15 overall in the NFL Draft. Jones built off his outing versus Washington with a better showing against Philadelphia on the road. Despite the criticism he received in the pre-draft process, the 2020 College Football Playoff National Champion is looking like the best rookie signal-caller.
Jones’ next preseason outing will be Sunday, August 29 against the New York Giants.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
