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Former Alabama star Mac Jones throws first NFL touchdown pass

Sean Labarby: Sean Labar08/29/21seanlabarpr
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(Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)

Mac Jones just threw his first NFL touchdown in a preseason game against the New York Giants.

The New England Patriots selected Jones with the No. 15 overall pick and the former Alabama star has been impressive since arriving in Foxboro.

While many believe New England at least start the 2021 campaign with Cam Newton under center, the two former SEC quarterbacks have gone head-to-head in the competition throughout camp.

“In training camp, we’re not seeing a solid diet of Cam Newton ineptitude,” Curran told Pro Football Talk. “That, to me, is very important to note because when we talk about this competition, while Mac Jones is far above where you expected him to have been — far above — and would challenge for the starting position if all things were equal which I don’t think they are, Cam Newton has been competent enough where he has not come back to Mac Jones significantly.”

Jones shines at Alabama

The biggest knock on Jones coming into the NFL was the lack of playing time he received while in Tuscaloosa. Jones closed out the 2021 season with a staggering 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns and just four interceptions in a prolific senior campaign.

The Crimson Tide signal caller led Alabama to the 2021 College Football Playoff title. The Heisman Trophy finalist threw for 464 yards and five touchdowns in Alabama’s dominant victory over Ohio State.

NFL Draft analysis on Mac Jones

NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein said this about the former Tide standout heading into the 2021 NFL Draft:

“Jones has above-average accuracy and a season full of eye-catching production,” he said. “He displayed nice improvement as he grew into the position from 2019 to 2020. His accuracy and ball placement stand out and he throws a very catchable football with consistent touch on it. He’s not much of an improv player but can hurt defenses with his feet once he leaves the pocket.

“The tape shows too much-predetermined decision-making about where he wants to go with the football rather than letting the coverage and his progressions speak to him. While the production looks great, he has clearly benefited from a wealth of riches up front, in the backfield and at wide receiver. … Jones has good backup to low-end starter potential.”