Mac Jones had the biggest opportunity of his young career so far on Wednesday. He delivered. But did he deliver enough to sway Bill Belichick?
The Patriots quarterback had his third straight practice as the No. 1 quarterback in team drills during Wednesday’s joint practice against the New York Giants. Overall, he was 21-of-26 with two touchdowns in 11-on-11 drills against the Giants’ starting defense. Jones made a lot of good, quick decisions with the ball in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field, and complemented that with two deep balls that qualify as his two best throws of the day.
However, like Tuesday’s practice, Jones and the Patriots offense weren’t perfect. So, until Cam Newton returns to practice, it’s up in the air whether Belichick is giving Jones serious consideration for the Week 1 starting quarterback job. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how Jones performed in team drills.
What Went Well?
Jones was 5-of-6 in his first two-minute drill in 11’s. Jakobi Meyers snagged a low throw over the middle to bail him out a little bit, but overall, Jones was decisive and accurate in this period. His lone overthrow was intended for Meyers down the left sideline, but sailed a little too far.
The highlight of this drive was a wheel route from Jones to running back James White. The throw was a dime over White’s back shoulder, and White reeled in an equally nice catch. White said after practice that he knew the ball was coming because he heard a teammate yell “Ball!” from the sidelines.
Jones’ ball placement has been a highlight throughout camp. He rarely makes dangerous throws and has shown an ability to put the ball where only the receiver can catch it.
Jun 10, 2021; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) participates in drills during OTAs at the New England Patriots practice complex. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Later, in another two-minute drill to close out his practice, Jones was 6-of-8 and capped the drive with a long “touchdown” to Jakobi Meyers. The receiver high-pointed the ball, which was out of reach for the defender. One of his incompletions on this drive looked like a throwaway, as Jones felt pressure coming and whipped the ball at the feet of slot receiver Gunner Olszewski.
What Went Not-So-Well?
Despite a pair of highlight-reel throws and efficient drives against the Giants’ starting defense in 11’s, Jones and the offense had some miscues.
One of Jones’ early incompletions should have been an interception. Receiver Nelson Agholor had a step on Giants safety Xavier McKinney on a deep throw, but the ball was underthrown and McKinney leaped and momentarily had the ball in both hands. McKinney dropped the ball as he fell to the turf, so the play would go in the books as an incomplete pass.
Aug 19, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) drops back to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The Patriots offense also committed two penalties during 11-on-11’s, the first one being a delay of game. Later, to start a two-minute offense, right guard Shaq Mason flinched as the on-site officials threw a flag for a false start.
Jones had a few throws over the middle that seemed to lack zip and fell low and short. Meyers was able to reel one in, but another intended for Kendrick Bourne fell incomplete. Another ball that fluttered was intended for tight end Jonnu Smith, but was charted as a “sack” by the Giants’ Ifeadi Odenigbo.
Top Targets
Here are the catches/targets charted in 11-on-11 drills. No Patriots pass-catchers had drops.
Wide Receivers:
Nelson Agholor: 1/2
Kendrick Bourne: 4/5
Jakobi Meyers: 4/5, TD
Gunner Olszewski: 2/3, TD
Kristian Wilkerson: 2/2
Isaiah Zuber: 1/1Tight Ends:
Jonnu Smith: 2/2
Running Backs:
Jakob Johnson: 1/1
James White: 4/4, TD
FOXBOROUGH, MA – JULY 28, 2021: Gunner Olszewski #80 of the New England Patriots during training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 28, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
Olszewski seems to have benefitted more than any other wide receiver in the absence of N’Keal Harry, who is week-to-week with a shoulder injury. Wilkerson caught both of his targets in 11’s without a drop, marking a step forward for him after going backward for several practices in a row.
Looking Ahead...
Despite the strong showing from Jones, who arguably had his best practice as a Patriot, there’s only one real question: is it enough to move the needle in the battle for the Week 1 starting quarterback job?
Belichick may like what he saw from Jones throwing the ball, but could also ding him for the penalties and for the near-interception. The only clear picture we can get is how Belichick deploys Newton upon his return.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 19: Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots gives a thumbs up against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second half of the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Patriots defeated the Eagles 35-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Newton is expected back Thursday, in the second joint practice against the Giants. If he once again leads off the quarterback reps in 11-on-11’s, that’s a strong indication that his absence and Jones’ performance haven’t strongly changed Belichick’s mind. If it’s an even split of reps in these situations, perhaps the gap has narrowed.
If Jones didn’t move the needle after Wednesday, it’s possible there’s nothing he can do that will.
