Whether it truly sways the quarterback competition significantly or not, New England Patriots rookie quarterback Mac Jones benefited from a big increase in reps with the first team unit at practice on Wednesday.
After presumed starting quarterback Cam Newton had a COVID-19 protocol mishap, the veteran was forced to quarantine for five days, making Jones the starting quarterback in practice.
The Patriots were also in the middle of a joint practice week with the New York Giants so Jones was able to go against a defense which wasn’t his own. With his new and likely brief role, the former Alabama quarterback took full advantage of his opportunity.
Mac Jones just threw back-to-back TDs and is 21 of 23 so far in practice against the Giants starting defense. He’s completed 14 consecutive passes.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 25, 2021
Mac Jones was a surgical 35 of 40 against the Giants defense in practice, including a stretch of 18 consecutive completions. Jones hit Jakobi Meyers for a 50-yard TD against double coverage in the final two-minute period. With temps approaching 90 degrees, it was an intense day.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 25, 2021
What’s been the most impressive part of Jones’ game in training camp is how quickly he’s been able to progress through the Patriots offense. He already appears to be more comfortable with the playbook then he was during the team’s first preseason game two weeks ago.
Although it’s still unlikely head coach Bill Belichick will trot out a rookie quarterback week one against a division rival, but Jones has showcased a strong skill set that is setting his up for future successes.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
