Mac Jones Intangibles On Display In Loss To Dolphins

It’s getting harder and harder to not draw comparisons between Tom Brady and Mac Jones. Even following a 17-16 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

No, that doesn’t mean we are suggesting he will have a Brady-like career. No quarterback is on that pace yet, let alone one coming off his first career start. However, some of the things that have made Brady great (poise in the pocket, protecting of the football, and unflappable accountability) are very apparent early on when Jones is on the field and in front of reporters.

“We can get better,” said Jones after the game. “It definitely wasn’t good enough, starting with me.”

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The 15th overall pick was the least of the Patriots’ concerns but don’t tell him that. And don’t try to give him the ball from his first touchdown pass either.

“That doesn’t really matter,” Jones said when asked about handing the ball back after his touchdown pass to Nelson Agholor. “One touchdown, we’ve got to score more.”

And he was right and it is exactly what you want to hear from your quarterback. Very Brady-esque.

Mac Jones: Being the quarterback, I need to do a better job of demanding more in practice. I sometimes let things slide.

— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) September 12, 2021

It was a game that the Patriots were their own worst enemy. They committed eight penalties and fumbled the ball five times, losing two, including Damien Harris‘ in Dolphin territory late which essentially sealed the win for Miami. Jones was responsible for one fumble (not lost) on his first drop back of the game but settled down quickly, rarely putting the ball into harm’s way. He showed elite-level ball placement and anticipation as well as an ability to stand in the pocket and make a throw with defenders in his face.

Most importantly, prior to the Harris fumble late, Jones showed poise beyond his years in what was shaping up to be his first career fourth-quarter comeback drive as he led the Patriots into field goal range after taking over at midfield.

He finished 29-of-39 for 281 yards and one touchdown and no interceptions. In addition. his 281 yards passing were the most for a Patriot rookie in their debut.

Despite not picking up the win, it was certainly an impressive debut and one that should fill the Patriots front office and coaching staff with a lot of optimism moving forward.