The Mac Jones Hype Train Is Out of Control
Mac Jones is apparently on fire, or at least the engine that is driving his hype train is close to overheating. The New England Patriots' rookie quarterback is getting all kinds of press for his play in training camp over the last few days -- which just so happen to be days Cam Newton has to sit out due to a COVID-19 testing protocol mishap.
Early on Wednesday it was clear we'd be getting a ton of Jones content. The Patriots were facing the Giants in a joint practice and he was apparently lighting New York up.
Jones’ streak ran to 18 consecutive completions before he faced pressure and had a ball tipped at the line. Very impressive morning for the rookie.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 25, 2021
The hype just kept on coming:
Mac Jones was a surgical 35 of 40 against the Giants defense in practice, including a stretch of 18 consecutive completions. 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.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 25, 2021
Considering the circumstances - practice vs another team, no Cam - this was the best day as a #Patriots player for Mac Jones. https://t.co/7W4jlIi3Hw
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) August 25, 2021
It also seemed Mac Jones knew today was a big day for him. He was very animated throughout the session - fist pumps after TDs, thumbs up for teammates. Even got mad at himself when he appeared to mess up a protection.
— Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) August 25, 2021
Statement day for the rookie.
Daniel Jones and Mac Jones were working on adjacent fields, running the 2-minute drill at the same time.
— Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) August 25, 2021
Jones looked like a three-year veteran. Mac, that is.https://t.co/TOOJqyPW4d
ESPN's Mike Reiss is also all-in on the Mac Jones show:
.@MikeReiss can sum up the last three days of Patriots' practice in three words:
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) August 25, 2021
"Mac Jones show."
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Interesting how the Patriots get ticked off with incumbent starter Cam Newton for not following protocols and immediately the media is all about the new guy. That's not to say Jones hasn't been impressive in practice, clearly he has been. But he's still a rookie and reporters are now discussing him like an MVP candidate. Let's slow down people.
Given how upset the Patriots are with Newton right now, there's a decent chance Jones takes over as the starter early in the season. But he'll still be a rookie quarterback in the NFL, which is a monumentally difficult job. We should give him some time before we fashion him a crown.