Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jordy McElroy

Patriots coach Jerod Mayo reveals one player who exceeded expectations

New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo was proud of the effort from his team overall in Thursday’s 17-3 win over the Carolina Panthers. However, there was one player in particular that Mayo felt exceeded expectations in the preseason opener.

That player was none other than rookie quarterback Joe Milton III.

The former University of Tennessee standout had an impressive NFL debut. He didn’t come into the game until late in the third quarter, but it was clear that the offense moved more efficiently with him under center than it did with Bailey Zappe. He finished the game going 4-of-6 passing for 54 yards and a touchdown.

Milton’s ability to create positive offense when things broke down isn’t something the Patriots are used to having at quarterback.

When Milton is on the field, an aggressive defense runs the risk of him scrambling for positive yards or buying enough time to make off-script plays to receivers. He’s a headache for opposing defensive coordinators for plays exactly like this 13-yard scramble that initially looked like a sack.

Jacoby Brissett is currently the starting quarterback for the Patriots, and Drake Maye is believed to be the future. But Milton might already be making a case that he belongs somewhere in those conversations as well.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.