Respect and sportsmanship, acknowledging the best efforts of your opponent, in victory and defeat, go a long way in the NFL. Especially when praise and props are sent in the direction of a player looking to redeem himself after a very difficult season.
On the most recent episode of Darius Slay’s podcast, “Big Play Slay,” the Philadelphia Eagles corner offered compliments to Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, whom Slay intercepted for a touchdown in the first quarter on Sunday. “I gotta give a shoutout to Mac Jones, man. He had a great game,” said the five-time Pro Bowler in reference to Mac’s failed effort to lead a comeback last Sunday, a 25-20 Eagles win in Foxboro.
Slay noted the Eagles got a couple of turnovers, which greatly assisted their win, but praised Jones’ poise and intelligence. “He got his groove going. He was making great checks, making accurate throws. He missed some throws, but he was making great plays. Making great throws on fourth down.”
The bitter taste of defeat and the sting of yet another failed comeback for the Pats under Jones may have blurred what was a solid game for the third-year QB. To hear this from a former All-Pro, someone who competed against him and even benefited from a costly miscue, should be noted as a positive step for a signal caller looking to establish himself as not only the franchise QB of New England but also one of the better QBs in the league. Progress can’t be overlooked for Jones and this team, both in a state of flux and transition right now.
Hopefully, the next time a cornerback compliments Jones it’s in victory for the Pats. We’ll see if Miami’s Xavien Howard has similar praise for Jones after this Sunday night's game vs. the Dolphins.
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