John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
New England Patriots quarterback Cam
Newton said rookie Mac Jones reached out to have a conversation before
his NFL preseason debut against the Washington Football Team on
Thursday night.
“He came and talked to me, and we
talked it out about just his expectation. Every young quarterback
goes through it—the excitement, the anticipation,” Newton
told reporters. “He wants to be so perfect, and I see his
preparation is always pristine. That’s what I admire about him.”
Both Newton and Jones spent time
leading the Pats’ offense in the 22-13 win. Newton is the projected starter, as head coach Bill Belichick has confirmed on multiple occasions, but the prized prospect out of Alabama is still trying to make his case.
Jones, the 15th pick in the 2021 draft,
was impressive in his first game action at the NFL level. He
completed 13 of his 19 throws (68.4 percent) for 87 yards with no
touchdowns or interceptions.
NFL @NFL
.<a href=”https://twitter.com/MacJones_10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@MacJones_10</a>’ first completion as a pro goes for a first down!<br><br>????: <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/WASvsNE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#WASvsNE</a> on <a href=”https://twitter.com/nflnetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@nflnetwork</a> (or check your local listings)<br>????: <a href=”https://t.co/QXoNWCGPHr”>https://t.co/QXoNWCGPHr</a> <a href=”https://t.co/jflvL4aW90″>pic.twitter.com/jflvL4aW90</a>
“Some good things, some things we
can improve on. That’s true for everybody,” head coach Bill
Belichick said when asked about the performance.
Newton went 4-of-7 for 49 yards, while
No. 3 signal-caller Brian Hoyer went 2-of-4 for 14 yards.
Rookie running back Rhamondre
Stevenson was the Patriots’ standout performer, rushing for 127
yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries.
Newton explained he’ll continue to
provide Jones with some veteran insights as the offense attempts to
round into form before the regular season kicks off.
“But for him and today’s performance,
he’s just going to keep getting better,” the 2015 NFL MVP said. “We’re going to be here for each other along this whole process,
and that’s what we’re here for.”
New England has two preseason games
left, next Thursday against the Philadelphia Eagles and Aug. 29
against the New York Giants, before it starts the 2021 season Sept.
12 when it welcomes the AFC East rival Miami Dolphins to Gillette
Stadium.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
