Patriots: 3 players who earned Week 1 playing time in preseason opener

2. QB Mac Jones

While Newton struggled during his first two series, Jones didn’t look out of place for one second during his NFL debut. Jones completed 13 of his 19 passes for 87 yards, though a dropped 34-yard touchdown pass could’ve made his night look even more impressive on the stat sheet.

While the low yards per attempt might now wow any box score scouts, Jones looked like he was comfortable in command of the offense, going through his reads quickly and getting the ball out of his hand accurately and on time. That’s all New England could’ve asked for.

Mac Jones looked comfortable in his Patriots debut.

Jones came from an Alabama offense that was much more simplistic than what he has had to digest during his time in New England, so the fact that he looks like he’s been studying this playbook for half a decade is exactly what the Patriots wanted to see from him.

Newton will go into the season as the starter, but the franchise will eventually turn the page to Jones. Based on how his debut went, the switch may be coming a bit sooner than Cam or the coaching staff expected.