NOT YOUR AVERAGE JOE
Patriots fans moan ‘we wasted a first round pick on Drake Maye’ after Joe Milton backs up strong training camp on debut
Head coach Jerod Mayo talked up the QB's potential after impressing in preseason victory over the Panthers
NEW England Patriots fans have been left with mixed feelings after rookie quarterback Joe Milton's impressive preseason debut.
Milton, who was selected 193rd in the NFL Draft, turned heads during the Patriots' exhibition game against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday evening.
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The former Michigan star completed four of six passes for 54 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown.
Milton also showed off his running skills with 22 rushing yards in the 17-3 victory.
The QB was pleased with his performance.
“I had a lot of fun man,” Milton told reporters.
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“It’s a blessing. You know, a lot of people where I’m from, they dream of being in this situation, so just go out there and cherish it all.
"It means a lot to me. Me, my family and obviously my teammates."
Head coach Jerod Mayo was also impressed with the rookie QB, who has had a strong training camp.
"We know he has a big arm. He has the athleticism," Meyo said.
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"He’s getting better with his reads every single day. He has natural leadership ability.
"But once again, it’s not just about one game; it’s about the full body of work.
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"You can come out here and play well but you also have to do it on a day-to-day basis, in practice and you’ve got to gain the confidence of not only the coaches but also your teammates.
"And this was a step forward for him.”
Milton will be competing with Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, and Bailey Zappe for the QB spot at the Patriots this coming season.
However, many Patriots fans wondered if the team was wise to pick Maye as No. 3 overall, considering how well Milton has performed.
"We really wasted a first on Drake Maye. Joe Milton is going to be SPECIAL," one fan said.
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"I don't care if it's week 1 of the preseason, Milton was fun as hell to watch," another fan said.
"Joe Milton III will win more NFL games than Bryce Young. Talk about wasting a 1st round pick," a third fan noted.
Milton says he is ready for the opportunity at the pro level.
“I feel like, no matter if it’s the first game or the last game of the season, I feel like the more you relax, just having a calm mind and not having a scrambled brain, just being you regardless,” Milton said.
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“Like, I have a big personality, I’m going to show my personality every time I have the chance to.
"My thing is, I want to make sure everybody smiles. Every day. Day in and day out.
"Make sure everybody smiles day in and day out. Just going out there letting guys know, ‘Listen man, you don’t have to be stuck up, have fun, talk, talk trash.’
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"It’s football. At the end of the day, it’s football, so no matter what you do, you go out there and have fun and operate and do the assignment your coach told you to do throughout the week.
"It’s going to allow you to have fun. Just having fun and showing my personality is all I like to do.”