The New England Patriots had their first preseason game against the Washington Football Team at home and rookie quarterback Mac Jones put on his new uniform– and fresh jersey number. As Jones took the field, it appeared that the New England fans had forgotten about longtime quarterback Tom Brady.
The New England faithful gave Jones a standing ovation as he approached the huddle.
Mac Jones takes the field to a standing ovation in Foxborough 🙌
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/Z6BoyVDsrm
— ESPN (@espn) August 13, 2021
The former Alabama star was taken in the first round by the Patriots and Bill Belichick and company are eager to move on after watching Brady go to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Cam Newton struggled last season, and they had pegged Jones as the next franchise quarterback.
Well, in his first appearance as a Patriot, he was rather impressive early on against Washington. This pass was a beauty, and the receiver definitely should have made the catch.
My goodness. Mac Jones put this ball right on Kristian Wilkerson's hands (and only where the WR could catch it). 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/odjmGeahQP
— Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) August 13, 2021
Jones and Newton are in a battle for the Patriots starting quarterback job, and Belichick is in unfamiliar territory with a quarterback competition.
But, so far Jones has looked the part. For what it's worth, if he is named the starter, his first game would be against the Miami Dolphins– and former teammate Tua Tagovailoa. After that, it would be against the New York Jets and second overall draft choice Zach Wilson.
But, there is some time to go before then.
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