The Mac Jones era in New England is finally here, and he sure did not disappoint in the opening act of his Patriots career. Jones was excellent in the Pats' opening preseason game against the Washington Football Team, completing 13 of 19 passes for 87 yards in New England's 22-13 victory on Thursday night.
New England fans have been yearning for a suitable replacement for legendary quarterback Tom Brady ever since the seven-time Super Bowl champion sensationally stormed out of the friendly confines of Gillette Stadium and went straight to the warm state of Florida to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Jones dazzles in preseason debut for Pats
They may have already found him in Mac Jones, who looked composed and totally in control in his first piece of action as an NFL player. Jones immediately went to work as soon as he was inserted into the Pats' lineup with 55 seconds remaining in the first quarter, picking a first down before the opening period ended.
Jones found himself with a quick third-and-5 play in his opening drive after throwing an incompletion to a streaking Jakobi Meyers for what would have been a 15-yard completion. Jones didn't let that missed opportunity frustrate him as he connected with Kristian Wilkerson on a comeback route on the left side of the field on the ensuing play to move the chains.
In the second quarter, Jones continued his fine play, finding Kendrick Bourne on the first play for a 13-yard pick-up. Jones then threw the pass of the night, albeit an incompletion, finding Wilkerson with a deep throw to the end zone that just went off the wide receiver's hands, sending the Patriots fans in attendance into a frenzy.
My goodness. Mac Jones put this ball right on Kristian Wilkerson's hands (and only where the WR could catch it). 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/odjmGeahQP
— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) August 13, 2021
Cam Newton's starting quarterback position under pressure
Jones's solid performance against Washington puts even more pressure on Cam Newton as he tries to hold on to the starting quarterback position for the upcoming NFL season. The 2015 league MVP looked far from impressive in his preseason debut on Thursday, finishing 4-of-7 for 49 yards during the first two series of the Patriots.
It didn't help matters that Patriots LT Isaiah Wynn failed to block Washington star DE Chase Young on Newton's opening drive, putting the former Panthers QB in harm's way as he was sacked on the 3rd-and-8 play. The ball came loose because of that thunderous hit by Young, but the Patriots were able to recover possession.
Chase Young is still that dude
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 12, 2021
📺 #WASvsNE on NFL Network pic.twitter.com/KfwkZreZzF
Head coach Bill Belichick has repeatedly said that Newton will be the Week 1 starter for New England against the Miami Dolphins, but that may change based on the preseason performances of him and Jones. Newton struggled mightily in his first season with the Patriots last year, throwing for 2,657 yards with just eight touchdowns and a whopping ten interceptions.
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