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The New England Patriots‘ potential franchise quarterback Mac Jones obtained his first NFL motion on Thursday in a 22-13 preseason victory towards the Washington Soccer Crew. He was inserted into the lineup with 55 seconds remaining within the first quarter, and even picked up a primary down earlier than the opening stanza got here to a detailed.
After a handoff to Sony Michel on first down of Jones’ first drive, the rookie discovered an open Jakobi Meyers streaking throughout the center of the sector. Jones threw it low, nonetheless, and it was dominated an incompletion — cancelling what would have been a few 15-yard pickup. On the following third-and-5 play, Jones discovered Kristian Wilkerson on a comeback route on the left aspect of the sector to maneuver the chains.
On the primary play of the second quarter, Jones discovered Kendrick Bourne for a achieve of 13 yards — a throw which cut up Washington’s zone protection proper by the center.
What occurred subsequent will not present up within the field rating, however Jones took a deep shot to Wilkerson down the left sideline — and whereas it fell incomplete — the ball could not have been thrown a lot better. The group at Gillette Stadium completely exploded.
Finally, Jones accomplished 2 of 5 passes for 20 yards on his first possession and led a 10-play, 43-yard drive which resulted in a 50-yard discipline purpose to push New England’s result in 6-0. He performed all the second and third quarters earlier than being taken out for veteran Brian Hoyer. On the finish of the night time, Jones’ stat line learn 13 completions on 19 makes an attempt for 87 yards. The numbers themselves do not look too spectacular, however Jones confirmed spectacular anticipation and accuracy in his first NFL outing. Head coach Invoice Belichick additionally toyed together with his rookie by placing him in numerous conditions, because the Patriots upped their tempo noticeably on the primary possession of the second half and referred to as a number of quick-hitters for Jones to finish. He faired effectively, as Jones led the Patriots on a 13-play, 53-yard drive which ended with one other discipline purpose.
“We’ll take a look at it on movie and see,” Belichick stated of Jones’ efficiency, by way of Zack Cox of NESN. “Some good issues, loads of issues we will enhance on. Identical with everyone.”
The No. 15 total choose within the 2021 NFL Draft set an NCAA single-season report together with his 77.4 completion proportion final 12 months. It was a powerful marketing campaign which led to one other Crimson Tide championship, as Jones threw for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns and simply 4 interceptions in his first season as Alabama’s full-time starter. These preseason showings maintain extra weight than a few robust follow periods. Cam Newton is penciled in because the beginning signal-caller as of now. He exited the sport after two drives, finishing 4 of seven passes for 49 yards. His first possession was a three-and-out whereas the second was a nine-play, 54-yard drive which resulted in a discipline purpose.
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