Mac Jones, New England Patriots rookie quarterback, may not be the most talkative person on the field, but that didn’t stop him from consulting veteran Cam Newton about what to expect going into the new season.
Newton, who is ten years older than the new Patriots quarterback, said the two players talked about “the excitement” and “the anticipation”, and that he was impressed with how perfect and pristine Jones’ preparation was.
Showed Glimpses of His Talent
Mac Jones and Cam Newton shared the minutes on Thursday night in the Patriots pre-season opener against the Washington Football Team. The Patriots won the game 22-13, and Jones showed glimpses of what he is capable of doing.
The rookie quarterback entered the fray after two series and with 55 seconds left in the first quarter. He stayed on the field for five series and went 13-of-19 passing for 87 yards.
During his time on the field, the Patriots scored two field goals. They could have easily added a touchdown when Jones’ best throw of the game, a 34-yard pass to wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson, found Wilkerson but went off his hands.
After the game, Wilkerson said that it “was a great ball” by the rookie quarterback and that he would have to “adjust better” to Jones’ throws next time and do his part.
Coach, Fans, and Teammates Liked What They Saw
Coach Bill Belichick was quite happy with the rookie’s maiden performance, but said that in addition to the “good things”, there were also some things they could “improve on”. However, that was true for everybody, according to the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach.
Patriots fans were also happy with Mac Jones’ showing. They sent him off with cheers when he left the field and started a chant asking for Jones to re-enter the game in the fourth quarter.
Jones’ teammates have noticed his talent and dedication to the Patriots’ cause too. Both running back James White and linebacker Josh Uche have heaped praise on the young quarterback.
The veteran White said that Jones was “working, learning from everybody, attacking it”, adding that it is far from easy being a quarterback in the NFL. Josh Uche shared White’s sentiments saying that Jones definitely “seemed like he had some poise” during his first Patriots’ outing.
Two Quarterbacks Helping Each Other
The Patriots don’t have much time to reflect on their performance in their first preseason game. They play the Philadelphia Eagles next, and the two teams will hold two practices together before the game.
It is to be expected that Mac Jones will get even more time on the field during that game. And Cam Newton is quite happy to share the minutes with his young understudy.
The veteran quarterback said that everybody learned the game differently. However, he was positive that Jones would only get better in the future, adding that the two teammates would be there for each other along the whole process.
