Mac Jones continues impressing at Patriots camp with first-team reps

Mac Jones has had an impressive last few days to say the very least.

ESPN’s Mike Reiss joined the network’s morning show Get Up on Wednesday and had a clear summary statement about the last three days of Patriots practice. 

“Mac Jones show,” Reiss said.

Jones has taken the first-team reps for two straight days for the first time this fall camp. The Athletic’s Jeff Howe added some additional details following a scrimmage against the Giants on Wednesday morning. 

“Mac Jones was a surgical 35 of 40 against the Giants defense in practice, including a stretch of 18 consecutive completions,” Howe tweeted. “Jones hit Jakobi Meyers for a 50-yard TD against double coverage in the final two-minute period. With temps approaching 90 degrees, it was an intense day.”

Jones had a few laughs with Patriots linebacker Matt Judon after throwing two touchdowns against the veteran, and Judon threw the trash talk right back. Judon had nice things to say about the rookie. 

“Mac’s a good quarterback,” Judon said. “He’s reading things well, and he’s learning when to be assertive.”

Jones has gone 26-for-38 with 233 yards this preseason. The Patriots play their final preseason game on Sunday against the Giants.

Newton to return to camp tomorrow

Cam Newton remains away from the team until Thursday following a miscommunication related to COVID-19 testing protocols.

“On Saturday, Cam Newton traveled to a Club-approved medical appointment that required him to leave the New England area,” the statement said. “He received daily Covid tests, which were all negative. Due to a misunderstanding about tests conducted away from NFL facilities, and as required by the NFL-NFLPA protocols, Cam will be subject to the five-day entry cadence process before returning to the facility. Cam will continue participating virtually in team activities and return to the club facility on Thursday, August 26.”

Newton, Jones have good relationship

Former Auburn quarterback Newton and former Alabama quarterback Jones have been engaged in a quarterback battle for the duration of fall camp. Despite the competition, Newton has been a positive mentor for Jones. 

“It’s been great,” Jones said of his teammates. “Obviously, Cam has been in the NFL for a long time and he’s done a great job mentoring me and helping me and providing that leadership aspect in meetings or even personal time just talking through stuff. He’s been awesome and a great mentor. Brian Hoyer has obviously done a good job as well just helping me out. He’s been in the system for a while with Jarrett (Stidham) as well.”