Another Strong Day For Mac Jones As Rookie Gets Extended Run At Patriots Training Camp
FOXBORO (CBS) -- The Patriots practiced in the rain on Thursday, but the soggy conditions didn't keep Mac Jones from having another solid day on the field. The rookie quarterback had a second straight strong day at training camp, and may have made the QB competition in New England a little bit tighter.
The Patriots were in full pads for the second time of camp, and though the weather wasn't all that great, these are the practices that are closest to real football. Here are some of the observations from Thursday's session in Foxboro.
Strong Day For Mac
Jones received more 11-on-11 reps than Cam Newton and made several strong throws during his time in the spotlight. It was the second straight day that he's seen his workload increase, and he answered with another strong to quite strong performance.
Jones had a great answer after practice when asked if he's a quick learner.
"I mean, I think so. I try to put time into it," said the rookie. "Whatever I can do to try and make it easier, I think that's what everyone does. You've got to study it, to learn it. It's just like school. You've got to study hard for the test, so as long as you're putting in the work, usually it's fine. But, like I said, it's more just a mentality and just trying to be the best you can be on each play."
Pushups For Fumbling
Of course it wasn't all perfect for Jones. Rainy days are perfect for practicing ball security, and it appears that is something Jones needs to work on.
He had to do some pushups after fumbling during a drill.
Jones told reporters that he uses his all of his free time to improve on something, so perhaps he'll be carrying a football wherever he goes for a while.
Jones Doesn't Mind Being Yelled At
Josh McDaniels said Wednesday that Jones is really good at getting yelled at. Asked about that quote by his offensive coordinator on Thursday, Jones said that is simply McDaniels doing his job.
"Sometimes he yells at me and that's good. That's his job, to make sure I do what I'm supposed to do," said Jones. "For me, it's about listening to the message. I'm hard on myself too, but I can't beat myself down. I have to take the message and run with it.
"Every experience is a learning experience," the rookie added.
Newton OK With Reps
To his credit, Newton didn't mind watching Jones take more reps than him.
"I don't get involved in the reps," the veteran said after practice. "I just do what I'm asked and I just go from there. As far as trying to maximize as much as I possibly can when I'm in there, that's the only thing I can control. And that's what I will continue to do."
J.C. Jackson Continues To Shine
With Stephon Gilmore out of action, Jackson has had ample opportunity to shine as the team's No. 1 corner. And shine he has, even on a rainy day like Thursday.
Extra Work For Kicker Quinn Nordin
Kicker Nick Folk did not participate Thursday, which led to plenty of work for Quinn Nordin. But the practice session wasn't enough.
In addition to Folk, defensive lineman Christian Barmore, defensive backs Cody David and D'Angelo Ross, and receiver Devin Ross also missed Thursday's session.
Patrick Chung In The House
Patrick Chung retired this offseason, but he was there for all the fun on Thursday.
Next Up: Inside Gillette
The Patriots will next practice inside Gillette Stadium on Friday night.
