Jones was composed on Friday and is still looking pretty good in the pocket delivering nice balls, quick and with anticipation but he was the victim of drops and good pass coverage on day three. Jones went through his progressions well and delivered the ball with touch but still went 8 of 18 and is 34 of 52 over the first three days of camp.
Chris Mason Tweeted, "Newton had more completions and consistency, but Jones had the best throws of the day."
Kharl Thompson of the Boston Globe wrote, "Those kinds of plays make you wonder if you’re really watching a rookie out there."
That's kinda what one wants to hear about a first round rookie going up against an aged first round Veteran. And knowing the pass catchers and defense were reasons behind the incompletions, one has to be happy with Mac Jones's day, even though he still can improve.
Jones was showing good chemistry with Bourne and Olszewski on day three. Agholor however seemed to be the target of the day for both quarterbacks. And although he tried, the chemistry isn't quite perfect with Meyers.
One of the concerns about drafting Jones was his deep ball. Could he get the ball down the field. Mac showed today that his deep ball wont be an issue, throwing it with accuracy and power. Although I don't expect the Patriots to have him throwing over fifty yards. So as long as they keep his deep ball in the forty to fifty yard range, it will never be an issue.
Pass protection was also an issue while Jones was taking reps. It's unclear if Jones held the ball to long but he had a few plays where he would've been sacked. Jones typically gets rid of the ball quickly. I get the impression one injury on the line and we could be revisiting 2019 season.
Matt Dolloff wrote about Jones, "His quick release and subtle movements in the pocket tend to hearken back to – never mind. He still has a long way to go, as Bill Belichick would remind everyone every day."
A long way to go is right. Jones's has started good all offseason for the most part but he starts to fizzle at the end. It's practice but could this type of performance show up in game day in the second half? Like with Newton, we've yet to see a complete full day of camp. The team seems to have a starter and a closer if you will. Maybe the team mixes things up but I doubt it.
Andy Hart of WEEI gave Jones some praise on the day but called him "indecisive" and said Jones "wasn’t able to execute efficiently." While most credited the line, pass catchers, and defense for Jones's day, Hart seems to put the blame on Jones. Being the quarterback, Hart maybe right, as the rookie is sure to have room for improvement. There was also mention by some that Jones had miscommunication or understanding on a few routes.
Kharl Thompson said Jones looks "confident" and added, "Jones also had another underwhelming finish to practice, though that perspective might be a bit different if Devin Ross hadn’t dropped a surefire touchdown on a slant route."
While Jones is looking good and arguably better than Cam, he's not doing anything to pull ahead. He's playing pretty consistent and seems to be waiting for Cam to falter. After yesterday, I don't think he should start immediately but he seems to be taking a good approach to camp by not doing anything stupid or flashy to attempt to take the job.
If Jones wants to beat out Newton, He might eventually have to elevate his game to the next level. Although it be nice to see that kinda improvement, it might be wise for Jones to continue as he is.
One more quick note, Hoyer had another decent day with reps, as Dolegala didn't throw. At the moment, with Stidham had surgery and is a candidate for the injured reserve, Hoyer is looking like a lock for the third quarterback position. Not what one wants to hear if their fans of Jarrett Stidham or Jake Dolegala. And remember if need be, as Belichick alluded to last season, "Zolak is just around the corner."
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