Caleb Veal 10:54 PM EST
Mac Jones made his NFL debut in front of a full crowd at Gillette Stadium today.
While the rookie went 29/39 with 281 yards, along with a TD, it still resulted in a divisional loss. Impressive, considering the circumstances.
The Miami Dolphins made crucial plays when needed, and got some 50/50 calls to go their way. To the naked eye, some would not consider this performance anything to write home about. I dont take this as a ordinary game.
Yes, starting off your career 0-1 should not be on any player's bucket list, but out of all rookie QBs I must say that Mac Jones was most likely to fit the 0-1 category. After looking at the matchup closely against the too familiar Dolphins.
Brain Flores is in fact the former defensive coach for New England. He knows the go- to that Belichick likes to do when in certain situations. He has knowledge of what type of game plans Belichick would put together for a new QB, and how he would attack the defense. After all Miami is in fact a carbon copy of New England.
Here is a list of players and coaches who have been in the New England system, that now play for the Dolphins.
Jacoby Brissett, (QB)
Isaiah Ford, Wide Receiver
Adam Butler, Defensive Tackle
Jabaal Sheard, Defensive End
Elandon Roberts, Linebacker
Jason McCourty, Safety
Eric Rowe, Corner
* Kyle Van Noy - (returned to NE this season)
* Brian Flores (Head Coach)
*Josh Boyce ( Defensive Coordinator)
A game of chess is not what you want your rookie QB to go through, especially during week 1. When you have two sides so familiar with each other. Game plans go out the window, and it strictly becomes a game of execution. New England did outperform the Dolphins in many ways. However there were two ways they didn't. That being the turnover battle, and penalty yardage.
New England dominated the time of possession, having 36:43 minute, to Miami's 23:17. Totaling 393 yards to Miami's 259. The 3rd down efficiency battle went to New England again. Who went 11-16 vs Miami who went 4 for 11. Having 84 yards from penalties alone will be addressed by any Belichick coached team, so that shouldn't be something continual.
However, this was indeed a tough matchup for Jones, and New England. In the last 5 matchups against the dolphins NE is 1-4 against them. Lately the dolphins have held the upper ground, dating back to the Miami Miracle .
All of that being said, Mac Jones played to his best ability. Yes, he missed throws, without nitpicking the 5-6 plays that everyone on the team could have made better, I believe the team played better than Miami. This would just prove that again, when going against such a familiar team it takes more than just playing better, be more disciplined. Be more hungry. I have no doubt next week at the NY Jets, the team will get back on track.
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