It might be just a preseason game, and the first one of the year, at that, but the Patriots had some exciting moments on the field against the Panthers on Thursday night. It wasn't filled with highlight-worthy moments, but one rookie changed that when he finally got put under center late in the game.
Quarterback Joe Milton III has already caught the attention of fans during training camp with his strong arm and impressive athleticism, which he has showcased often with backflips to celebrate good plays. His deep throws were on display late in the third quarter into the fourth, but it was a play he extended after running through all his reads that got fans out of their seats.
On the 2nd and 5 play, nobody was open for Milton to throw to and instead of throwing the ball into the dirt, he evaded several defenders and ran through an opening on the opposite side of the field for a first down.
The moment drew the most vocal response from fans all evening and was a big reminder of just how talented the rookie quarterback is.
.@Qbjayy7 running alllll over the field 🏃💨
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 9, 2024
📺: @wbzsports pic.twitter.com/Q3ZqVuIuTb
He then followed that drive up by taking the offense down the field, incorporating similar extension plays like the one above, one of which ended with a 38-yard touchdown pass to JaQuae Jackson to put the Patriots up 17-0 over the Panthers in the fourth quarter.
JOE TO JAQUAE DIMEEEE!!@Qbjayy7 | @quaerid_9
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 9, 2024
📺: @wbzsports pic.twitter.com/OvSO4Mdo76
The back-to-back drives of exciting plays brought life into an otherwise neutral stadium, especially since Maye was only on the field for one series.
This further proves that Milton will be stiff competition for Bailey Zappe in determining who will inevitably become the QB3 on the Patriots 2024 roster. So far, the rookie has outplayed the veteran, and that's not expected to end any time soon.