Former NFL safety, TJ Ward, takes to Twitter to criticize Mac Jones after Jones’ first start with the New England Patriots.
Mac Jones started his first NFL game with the New England Patriots yesterday and lost 17-16 against the Miami Dolphins. Many people were impressed with Jones’ debut, and finished the game feeling optimistic about his future. Former safety T.J. Ward was not one of those people.
Ward, critical of Jones’ short passes, believes he hasn’t lived up to the hype around his name.
Mac Jones plays well in New England Patriots debut
Despite Ward’s skepticism, Mac Jones finished the game with 281 yards and one touchdown, completing 29-of-39 throws while averaging 7.2 yards per attempt.
Jones’ performance had the Patriots in position to win the game. Driving deep into Miami territory down a point with under four minutes left, it looked like New England was going to take the lead. This was until a costly Damien Harris fumble, at Miami’s 9-yard line, that the Dolphins recovered and ran out the clock.
While Jones was good, he didn’t play a perfect game. At times he held on to the ball too long. The Patriots offense also had three drives where they were deep in Dolphins territory and settled for field goals.
Jones will continue to grow and improve. While his style may not please everyone, like Ward, it will please those within his franchise. This isn’t the first time they had a quarterback criticized for checking the ball down. As long as those check-downs result in wins, everyone in New England will be satisfied.