Mac Jones impressing Cam Newton with work ethic and approach

Former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones has now made his NFL preseason debut with the New England Patriots. Jones took over for Cam Newton at quarterback after two offensive drives. In limited action, Jones had a solid professional debut.

Newton admires Jones’ preparation

In his first drive at quarterback, Jones led the Patriots to a field goal. After the Washington Football Team scored a touchdown at the end of the first half, Jones led New England on another long drive to begin the second half, resulting in another field goal and a 9-7 lead. Leading up to his preseason debut, Jones sought out advice from Newton, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss.

“He came and talked to me, and we talked it out about just his expectation,” Newton said after the game. “Every young quarterback goes through it – the excitement, the anticipation. He wants to be so perfect, and I see his preparation is always pristine. That’s what I admire about him.”

On the night, Jones played in five offensive series. He completed 13 of his 19 pass attempts, totaling 87 yards. Jones found wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson in the endzone on a deep ball in his first drive, but Wilkerson dropped what would have been a 34-yard touchdown. The Patriots ultimately earned a 22-13 victory over Washington.

Despite competition, Newton and Jones are helping each other

Newton is expected to open the season as the starting quarterback for the Patriots. How long that remains the case is the question. New England just spend the 15^th overall pick in the NFL Draft on Jones in the offseason. In his final season at Alabama, Jones threw for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns, completing more than 77 percent of his passes.

Last season, Newton threw for 2,657 yards, eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also ran for 592 yards and 12 touchdowns. Newton also fumbled the ball six times. With the Carolina Panthers, Newton has shown that he has the ability to be one of the NFL’s best players. He has won the MVP award and led the Panthers to a Super Bowl experience. When the Patriots signed him prior to last season, they were hoping that they could revive Newton’s career. Now Jones is part of the mix, leaving many asking when, not if, Jones will replace Newton as the starter.

Even with the team adding Jones to try and improve play from the quarterback position, Newton isn’t looking over his shoulder at Jones. Instead, the two are learning from each other and helping each other grow as quarterbacks.

“Everybody learns different, but he’s just going to keep getting better,” Newton said. “And we’re going to be here for each other along this whole process.”

Image courtesy of: Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images.