Patriots Ups & Downs: Miscues spoil strong debut for Mac Jones

Author Matt Dolloff

September 12th, 2021 9:13 PM

The New England Patriots are 0-1 to start the 2021 season after a disappointing home loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Despite the defeat, there were some promising performances to pull from the game, particularly on offense. Rookie quarterback Mac Jones had a solid and efficient debut, going 29-of-39 for 281 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. He helped get the Patriots within striking distance late in the fourth quarter, but a costly fumble by running back Damien Harris ultimately doomed them.

Here are the players (and other things) who are “up” and “down” coming out of the Patriots’ loss to the Dolphins…

• UP: QB Mac Jones (and the passing game in general)

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  There weren't as many concerns about the running game as there were about the Pats' totally overhauled passing attack, led by a rookie making his first career start. But Jones was able to make big plays down the field and spread the ball around, a promising sign going forward. Jones' best highlight was a 26-yard wheel route to James White on third-and-11 late in the third quarter, on a drive that resulted in a field goal.

• DOWN: Ball security

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  Damien Harris, of course, had the biggest and costliest fumble of the game when he lost the ball on the Miami 9-yard line with 3:31 left in the fourth quarter. The Patriots had a good chance to take at least a two-point lead, but Harris' fumble extinguished that opportunity. Still, it's not fair to single Harris out for his mistake, because fumbles were a problem for others on the team.
  
  Despite a strong effort from Jones, the quarterback committed a bad fumble that stalled the Patriots' opening drive and set a bad tone for what would become a theme in the game. The Pats recovered Jones' fumble, but had to punt and then went down 7-0. Rhamondre Stevenson also lost a fumble, and Jonnu Smith fumbled the ball while running after the catch, but David Andrews recovered that one.

• UP: WR Nelson Agholor

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  After a less-than-promising finish to training camp and dealing with injuries late in the preseason, it felt like Agholor was in for an inauspicious start to his Patriots career. Instead, Agholor caught 5-of-7 targets for 72 yards, including their only touchdown of the game. Agholor made two catches over 20 yards in a solid effort.
• DOWN: CB J.C. Jackson

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  If the opposing quarterback can get rid of the ball quickly, the Patriots defense is going to have issues. Dolphins wideout DeVante Parker and others got separation on quick slants, in particular, as Tua Tagovailoa was able to move the ball that way against Jackson for much of the afternoon. Parker also burned Jackson for a ridiculous 30-yard catch down the right sideline. Jackson ended up with just one pass breakup, while Parker and rookie Jaylen Waddle combined for eight catches and 142 yards.

• UP: S Adrian Phillips

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  One of the Patriots' best players in camp, Phillips carried a strong summer over into the fall with a nice season opener. Most notably, Phillips made two tackles for a loss of yardage on a Dolphins drive late in the third quarter, which set up the Patriots for the ensuing drive that resulted in a field goal.

• DOWN: Right tackle spot

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  Trent Brown left the game early with an injury, so he was mostly unavailable. After him, the Patriots struggled to find consistency with Justin Herron and newcomer Yasir Durant checking in. Brown was one of the Patriots' best, most consistent players in camp, so if he has to miss time going forward, this could be a major concern for the offense.

MORE: Mistakes haunt Patriots in loss to Dolphins

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at [email protected].

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Author Matt Dolloff

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