Even though the New England Patriots lost to the Miami Dolphins in Week 1, Mac Jones received high marks for his first NFL start.
According to Pro Football Focus, Jones, by a comfortable margin, was the top-rated rookie passer Sunday:
In his first NFL game, Jones completed 29 of 39 passes for 281 yards and a touchdown. At home, the Patriots lost 17-16 to the division-rival Dolphins, though crucial lost fumbles from Rhamondre Stevenson and Damien Harris are probably the biggest reasons for that outcome.
Meanwhile, Zach Wilson completed 20 of 37 pass attempts for 258 yards, two touchdown passes and an interception. The No. 2 overall pick had a better afternoon than No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence, who was asked by Urban Meyer to throw the ball 51 times in his first NFL action. The result was that Lawrence tossed three touchdowns but also was picked off three times, as the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars lost 37-21 to the Houston Texans.
Listen to Patriots talk now on Audacy and shop the latest Patriots team gear
The weapons around Jones are hardly comparable to the 2007 Patriots, but it does feel safe to say that the former Alabama star is set up better to have immediate success than either Wilson or Lawrence are.
Both Trey Lance and Justin Fields -- the other two first-round quarterbacks in the 2021 class -- were involved in touchdowns, but played sparingly behind veteran starters in Week 1.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram