It appears the New England Patriots have found their new franchise quarterback in Mac Jones, and he has just earned the first of what the organization hopes will be many honors. On Sunday, the Patriots announced that Jones had been named to the Pro Bowl.
Jones has been named a Pro Bowl replacement, as some AFC quarterbacks have opted out of playing in the all-star game. The Alabama product was selected by New England with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and stepped in as starter with the preseason release of Cam Newton. In 17 games played, Jones went 10-7 while completing 67.6 percent of his passes for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
According to the Patriots' official website, Jones became the first NFL quarterback to complete at least 70 percent of his passes in each of his first two games. Jones turned heads around the league in November, as he orchestrated a seven-game win streak that had the Patriots as the top team in the AFC. While New England returned to the playoffs as a wild card after a one-year hiatus, the Patriots were bested by the rival Buffalo Bills on Super Wild Card Weekend.
While the Patriots weren't able to make any noise in the postseason in 2021, they have Tom Brady's replacement. And he will make the first of what is hopefully multiple Pro Bowl appearances.
