Mac Jones ready to start in NFL, per Pro Football Focus

While New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton was thought to be the starter in week one based on salary implications, Pro Football Focus always believed rookie Mac Jones was ready to start when his number is called and called it was after Newton was released on Tuesday.

Jones received a higher grade from PFF than Newton in their preseason action.

Is Mac Jones truly ready to start?

Cam Newton started the Patriots’ final preseason game and played limited snaps with the starters. Despite only attempting six passes, Newton did throw an interception that was on a good pass. Newton’s pass hit receiver Jakobi Meyers in the hands, but New York Giants defender Blake Martinez wrestled the ball out of Meyers’ hands for the interception.

PFF’s Sam Monson felt that Newton’s play throughout preseason indicated that he would be the starter for week one. The former NFL MVP hasn’t caused any concerns that would force the Patriots to go with Jones.

“I think the fact Mac Jones is working with a full second-team offense this week says Newton’s the starter week one,” explained Monson. “The fact Jones is still playing well with the second team suggests it won’t be for that long.”

That prediction didn’t play out but his second may be on the money.

When Mac Jones entered the game, he did not play with the first-team starters for the first time this preseason. With the Patriots resting their offensive line, Jones felt increased pressure from the defense and took four sacks before it was over.

Despite this, Jones still had an impressive performance without making any major errors. Jones completed 10 of 14 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown, his first passing touchdown of the preseason.

Jones versus Newton by the numbers

Newton saw limited preseason action compared to Jones in order to make sure he remained healthy. Newton only dropped back to pass 21 times compared to 65 attempts by Jones.

But even with the difference in attempts, Jones was statistically more of an impact as the Patriots quarterback. Pro Football Focus graded Newton’s preseason work as an 83.5, well under Jones’ 93.2.

PFF goes on to detail that Jones was a more accurate quarterback overall, and that he was better at “big plays” than Newton. In the same offensive scheme, Jones’ average passing target was 8.9 yards downfield. Newton’s targets were mostly closer, averaging 6.5 yards.

With his preseason performance and high grades, PFF feels Jones is “ready to start sooner rather than later.”

And sooner just arrived.