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Patriots: Mac Jones’ first NFL touchdown pass was an absolute bullet

By Thomas Carannante

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 12: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots reacts prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 12: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots reacts prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Turns out the New England Patriots getting help from the referees wasn’t all because of Tom Brady! Turns out penalties have to be called at some point and the haters are always there to point out that it benefitted the team they didn’t like!

Even worse news for the haters? A “questionable” call led to Mac Jones’ first career NFL touchdown pass, which was a bullet to wideout Nelson Agholor.

That gave the Patriots lead right before the two-minute warning and helped contribute to his incredibly efficient first half for a debut performance in Foxborough.

It’s 10-7 New England after this play-action pass that capped off a seven-play, 63-yard drive.

Mac Jones threw his first NFL touchdown pass as a New England Patriot.

Funny how scouts were concerned about his arm strength, right? Jones has continues to dispel any criticism regarding his play and Pats fans have to be thrilled it’s already happening in his first official game at the next level.

Now, for the call that kept this drive alive, we’ll admit, Jones was bailed out. He held onto the ball far too long on a short-yardage play instead of throwing it away, and just to happened to be tackled in illegal fashion. Dolphins linebacker Elandon Roberts hit Jones low after coming off a block from running back Rhamondre Stevenon, and the zebras threw the flag.

The Patriots have been flagged three times for 30 yards compared to the Dolphins two for 14 yards, so we don’t really want to hear it.

This one’s reached halftime, with Miami kicking a field goal as time expired to tie things up at 10-10. Jones finished 14-of-19 for 133 yards and that touchdown and Damien Harris notched 72 rushing yards on 11 carries.

We’d like to see a bit more intensity from the defense, but fans can celebrate the Mac Jones era officially beginning with that beautiful TD strike. We’re sure there’s more good to come from the rookie in the second half.

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