As CeeDee Lamb high-stepped into the end zone to seal the Dallas Cowboys 35-29 overtime win over the New England Patriots, cameras immediately zoomed in on Pats rookie quarterback Mac Jones to capture his stoic response to the devastating loss. However, his expression was not one of defeat; rather, it looked to behold a new confidence and a drive to be a great leader for this unheralded New England team.
And he should, as the Patriots were in the drivers seat to win the ballgame against the red-hot Cowboys multiple times in the fourth quarter, but merely blew away their chances. One such instance was when Mac threw a pick-6 while the Pat were up by 1, giving Trevon Diggs his 7th interception of the season. Contrary to most rookie quarterbacks after such a brutal mistake, though, Jones went out and attacked Diggs on the very next play, throwing a 75-yard touchdown strike to Kendrick Bourne.
Plays like these should give Bill Belichick and Pats fans reason for optimism, despite the team's subpar 2-4 record. Plus, the Patriots still remain in second place in the AFC East (with the help of weak division mates).
Should we see this competitive matchup against the supremely talented Cowboys as the real deal, or simply a flash in the pan? Here are 3 key takeaways from the Pats' Week 6 loss.
3. Mac Jones is the real deal
Jones finished the game with a pristine 15/21 for 229 yards and 2 touchdown statline, and that line would've been even more stellar had he not thrown the brutal pick-6 to Diggs. He showed poise and grit, making the simple reads that keep drives going down the field against an aggressive Cowboys defense, and, with the huge shot play to Bourne, perhaps showed the Patriots coaching staff that he's ready to take more shots down the field. Add in the subpar receiving corps that New England has, and it was an all-around impressive game where Mac showed tons of promise.
2. This backfield is legit
Even with James White lost for the year, the New England running backs showed both effectiveness and versatility this week. Damien Harris ran all over Dallas to the tune of 101 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown, while Rhamondre Stevenson showed out with 62 scrimmage yards on 8 touches, including a TD plunge. As the season goes on and the weather gets colder, these two power backs are going to be a mouthful for defenses to handle. The AFC better watch out.
1. The Pats can hang with the big boys
Yes, the Patriots lost. But they've clearly shown over the last few weeks that they can beat just about anyone. They were one miracle drive away from defeating the defending champion Buccaneers, and were a last-second field goal from defeating the Cowboys in regulation. With a Bill Belichick defense, a forceful running game, and a rookie QB who is only going to get better, New England has a real shot at making this a season of contention. Mac Jones and Co. will most likely be on the outside of the bubble looking in, but even a decent record this year would put the Patriots rebuild ahead of schedule.
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