Before the clash between the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Patriots quarterback Mac Jones only played a supporting role. On the field, however, the rookie took charge – and sparked enthusiasm among Patriots fans despite the loss.

Munich/Foxborough – In the end, everything actually turned out the way most fans and experts had expected: Tom Brady comes back to the New England Patriots with his Tampa Bay Buccaneers and goes home with a win.

But how it came about in the end was a surprise for many. The Bucs only managed one touchdown and had to tremble for their victory in the end. This had not only to do with the excellent defence set up by Bill and Steve Belichick, but also with rookie quarterback Mac Jones.

No help from the running game: Mac Jones piggybacks his offense

For the most part, Jones had to fend for himself against the opponent’s strong pass rush and top-notch linebackers. While that caused problems for the 23-year-old in the first quarter, he became more comfortable in his pocket as the game wore on and showed more and more why the Patriots selected him 15th overall in the draft.

Early in the game, the Patriots were still trying to establish and implement the running game – unsuccessfully. Over the ground, the Patriots’ running backs gained a total of one yard of space. Since 1970, only three teams had less in a game, all three teams were the Detroit Lions, by the way.

It was clear after one quarter at the latest that the running game was not going to be a factor or help Jones. It makes most rookies more mistake-prone and restless. But Jones rose to the occasion, and instead of buckling under the pressure, he shouldered his entire offense while the entire NFL world looked on in the Sunday Night Game.

Second half like a veteran – fans are excited

Todd Bowles, defensive coordinator for the Buccaneers, brought blitz after blitz starting in the 3rd quarter, but Jones refused to be rattled and picked out Bucs rookie and veteran Richard Sherman in particular as a victim, allowing a few completions and first downs and committing a foul or two.

Jones finished the touchdown drive for an interim 14-13 lead in three and a half minutes with seven completions for 77 yards and no dropped passes. Recognising and avoiding the blitz and making good and correct decisions quickly is actually an exclusive characteristic for veterans.

Mac Jones is displaying those attributes in just his fourth NFL start against one of the league’s best front-seven units and was clearly comfortable in the second half, as his cheers after the touchdown showed.

What a drive by Mac Jones!

This Jonnu Smith TD gives the @Patriots the lead to start the 4th quarter! ForeverNE

📺: TBvsNE on NBC
📱: https://t.co/50pf7DlJse pic.twitter.com/2nXEHwbXlg

– NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2021

In the end, it wasn’t enough to win – in part because Bill Belichick didn’t trust his quarterback on a fourth-and-three and let the field goal hit the post – but fans are excited about the 23-year-old Alabama alum.

“The guy is a machine” they say, or: “He can really become something special”. On Twitter after the game, there was almost unanimous agreement that Jones’ performance was highly rated. Even from non-Patriots fans there was effusive praise: “In an almost impossible position, he got everything out of himself. “

🐐 https://t.co/F9VMltsCV2

– The Haitian Negro 🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹 (@AndyinMTL) October 4, 2021

Mac Jones is kept on a short leash

Nearly the only criticism from the network goes to the Patriots’ coaches. Last year at Alabama, Jones shined with accurate deep balls. Granted, his receivers there were also better in relation than the ones he has now, but especially against an injury-plagued Buccaneers pass defense, you could at least give the 23-year-old credit for a deep shot. After all, Kendrick Bourne was drafted in free agency to make exactly those plays.

But the confidence of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Belichick is probably not yet great enough for that. That’s evidenced by the decision to kick a 55-yard field goal in the final minute in pouring rain rather than give the quarterback a chance to pick up a first down on 4th and three.

But Jones will earn that trust. He already has that of his teammates, it’s audible and palpable in every interview they give. Maybe he’ll get it as early as week five against Houston, who currently look more than beatable.

The Patriots supporters of the world can be hopeful because despite starting with three losses out of four games, the rookie quarterback has already won the hearts of the fans and the respect of the experts in his fourth start.

The success New England has been accustomed to for 20 years will be back. With Mac Jones.