Patriots coach Jerod Mayo reveals one player who exceeded expectations

New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo was proud of the effort from his team overall in Thursday’s 17-3 win over the Carolina Panthers. However, there was one player in particular that Mayo felt exceeded expectations in the preseason opener.

That player was none other than rookie quarterback Joe Milton III.

The former University of Tennessee standout had an impressive NFL debut. He didn’t come into the game until late in the third quarter, but it was clear that the offense moved more efficiently with him under center than it did with Bailey Zappe. He finished the game going 4-of-6 passing for 54 yards and a touchdown.

Milton’s ability to create positive offense when things broke down isn’t something the Patriots are used to having at quarterback.

When Milton is on the field, an aggressive defense runs the risk of him scrambling for positive yards or buying enough time to make off-script plays to receivers. He’s a headache for opposing defensive coordinators for plays exactly like this 13-yard scramble that initially looked like a sack.

Jacoby Brissett is currently the starting quarterback for the Patriots, and Drake Maye is believed to be the future. But Milton might already be making a case that he belongs somewhere in those conversations as well.