Mac Jones continues to show availability for Bill Belichick, and on Tuesday, he continued to flash some ability, too.
The Patriots’ rookie first-round pick improved upon an up-and-down Monday during his second practice as the team’s No. 1 quarterback on Tuesday, as Cam Newton’s absence continued. Overall, Jones wasn’t perfect, going 30-of-37 in 11-on-11 drills with two “touchdowns” and two interceptions. But more important than the overall numbers was that Jones showed solid command of the Patriots offense in situational work.
Strong Start
Much of Tuesday’s 11-on-11 drills were as competitive as one can expect in a non-padded practice. Jones completed six of his first seven passes in the first 11-on-11 period.
He made completions to five different receivers as the Pats rotated pass catchers in and out. The receivers, in order: Gunner Olszewski, Sony Michel, Kristian Wilkerson, Michel again, Rhamondre Stevenson, and Jakobi Meyers.
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)
The Olszewski catch in this period was slipped through a seam between linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Ja’Whaun Bentley. Olszewski seems to have benefitted greatly from the absence of N’Keal Harry in recent practices.
Starters vs. Starters
The first team drills began a streak in which Jones completed 18-of-19 passes over three 11-on-11 periods. In the second session, he led a simulated two-minute offense with the starters against the starting defense. This is where Jones shined.
Jones was 10-of-11 in this two-minute drill, and his lone incompletion appeared to be a throwaway to stop the clock, as he sailed one out of bounds with no one open. Meyers made four catches in this period, including the highlight of the day, a dime from Jones over his shoulder that he reeled in as he dove forward. The play could’ve been ruled a touchdown, but the coaches kept the offense on the field in order to keep working on the situation.
It was during this period that Jones showed notable command of the offense, in terms of making multiple pre-snap calls, identifying the “Mike” linebacker, and making sure receivers lined up properly. He and tight end Jonnu Smith connected three times in this period, including an impressive seam throw-and-catch against tight coverage by safety Adrian Phillips. Jones and Smith capped the drill with a toe-tapping touchdown in the back of the end zone.
Aug 12, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots tight end Jonnu Smith (81) runs the ball after a catch against the Washington Football Team during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Jones later ran a two-minute drill with the starting offense against the scout team defense. This is where he finally made a real incompletion, slightly overthrowing Meyers despite him being open by about 20 yards off a busted coverage.
