New England Patriots: 3 thoughts as joint practices with Giants wrap up
New England Patriots thought No. 1: Mac Jones makes his case for starter
Much has been made throughout training camp about whether Cam Newton or Mac Jones will be New England’s Week 1 starter when the regular season kicks off. The debate seemed set to come to a head this week when it was announced Newton would miss time due to a COVID “misunderstanding”. How Jones performed could essentially revive a seemingly dead competition, or basically announce Newton as the starting quarterback.
It’s safe to say that even with Newton returning to action today, the quarterback competition is still alive and well. Jones took advantage of all the first team reps that had been going to Newton, and had easily his best practice of the offseason yesterday. Jones torched the Giants defense, as he finished 35/40 on the day, including a stretch of 18 straight completions, highlighting his impressive accuracy.
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
It was Jones first real chance to show what he can do with the first team offense, and his sizzling performance certainly had to draw the attention of the coaching staff. Things were back to normal today with Newton back in tow, but it shouldn’t take away from the performance Jones put on yesterday afternoon.
Fans have begun to wonder whether Jones actually has a shot to be the Week 1 starter, especially after his performance these past two days against the Giants. Reports have been coming out of New England’s camp that they aren’t thrilled with Newton’s recent COVID issues, and it could end up coming back to bite him.
3 grinders looking to make Pats roster. dark. Next
The gap has been closing between Newton and Jones all offseason, and Jones recent play may have proved that the gap no longer exists. If Jones didn’t have a shot to earn the top spot beforehand, he does now. The quarterback competition has been a must watch event all preseason long, and it looks set to continue as New England heads into New York for their final preseason game.