Bill Belichick and Patriot fans have a quarterback that can hang with anyone.
In eight games, Mac Jones has faced Tua Tagovailoa, Tom Brady, Dak Prescott, and Justin Herbert. He has either outplayed his competition or played well enough to win the game. If not for Belichick’s conservative play-calling, Jones would have beaten Tagovailoa, Brady, and Prescott. The rookie quarterback for the Patriots matched up against Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers during Sunday’s game on the road. Herbert, the No. 6 overall pick from the 2020 NFL Draft, is one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the league.
Jones did not have a pretty performance, but he found a way to lead New England to a victory.
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His stat line mirrored Herbert’s, yet Jones did not have a turnover. He completed 18 of 35 passes for 218 yards and managed the game well. Jones connected with eight different receivers, and Kendrick Bourne had three receptions for 60 yards. He totaled a higher passer rating (70.9) and quarterback rating (52.8) than Herbert. Jones guided the Patriots to more first downs, a better third-down conversion rate, and more offensive plays.
He pushed the Patriots to a 27-24 win, improving it to 4-4 on the season.
Jones is eighth in the National Football League for passing yards (1,997) and completion percentage (68.1). He has the Patriots closing in on the first place Bills in the AFC East.
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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.
