Mac Jones 2 TD Passes Leads Patriots Comeback vs. Eagles

The New England Patriots are showing signs of life in the second quarter of their season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.

FOXBORO — Despite an abysmal start, the New England Patriots have climbed back into their Week 1 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium. 

Facing a 16-0 deficit with time winding down in the second quarter, Patriots quarterback Mac JOnes led the Pats on a 10-play, 71-yard drive, which began with a nine-yard connection with tight end Mike Gesicki, his first reception in a Patriots uniform. The drive also featured multi-yard completions to receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster (15 yards) Demario Douglas (23 yards) and Ty Montgomery for 10 yards.  

Jones capped the drive with a nine-yard completion to tight end Hunter Henry for the team’s first touchdown of the season. 

That @MacJones_10 to @Hunter_Henry84 connection!

📺: #PHIvsNE on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/HOcrYypdXf

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 10, 2023

Though he began the day by throwing a costly pick-six to Eagles cornerback Darius Slay in the first quarter, Jones has looked more comfortable and decisive under the tutelage of new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. The Pats have noticeably returned to a timing-based scheme, predicated on vertical routes and completions from quick, accurate throws. While the Matt Patricia-led regime attempted to incorporate more zone reads into their repertoire, Jones is at his best when leading his receivers under the defense, releasing the ball quickly and delivering it accurately. He did so with Henry on that drive. 

The touchdown brought the Gillette Stadium crown to its feet for the first time since legendary quarterback Tom Brady officially rang in the 2023 season by acting as honorary lighthouse keeper.  Jones touchdown roused Brady into a high-five with team owner Robert Kraft, with whom he is seated. 

(Cred: CBS Sports Images)

The Patriots were not done yet. Jones and the Patriots would find the end zone twice in a span of four minutes and nine seconds. The Pats starter’s second touchdown drive went for 63 yards on six plays, capped by a 19-yard touchdown to Bourne.

More points before the half!@BournePoly11 | #ForeverNE pic.twitter.com/m3Y6ss6Ze6

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 10, 2023

Led by third-year quarterback (and two-time team captain) Jones, the Patriots were hoping to show marked improvement from an 8-9 finish to their 2022 campaign. The task at hand is a tall one, as the Pats welcome the defending NFL Champion-Eagles to Foxboro. Behind quarterback Jalen Hurts, the Eagles boast one of the most versatile offenses in the NFL. They also employ a stifling defense, which led the league with 70 sacks last season.

The Pats mission was made even more difficult as the team announced that three offensive starters - receiver DeVante Parker and offensive linemen Cole Strange and Michael Onwenu - are inactive and will miss the game. Also on New England's inactives list: Linebacker Anfernee Jennings, defensive tackle Sam Roberts and cornerback Shaun Wade.