Mac Jones continues to be one of the bright spots for the New England Patriots in the 2021 NFL season.
Sunday's Week 5 game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium was a struggle for Jones at times, but the rookie quarterback played well when it mattered most to help lead the Patriots to a much-needed 25-22 win.
Here's a deeper look at Jones' performance.
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Stats
Jones entered Sunday with the seventh-best completion percentage in the NFL at 70 percent, and he again was accurate versus the Texans. He completed 23 of 30 pass attempts for 231 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Jones began the game 7-for-7 for 85 yards on the Patriots' first two drives.
The rookie quarterback was particularly effective on third downs, where he completed eight of 10 pass attempts.
Here's an interesting historical note on Jones' passing accuracy as a rookie, via ESPN's Field Yates:
Jones also was credited with his first career game-winning drive. He went 3-for-4 for 37 yards on New England's final drive, which ended with a 21-yard field goal by Nick Folk that secured a 25-22 win.
Despite all the concern over the Patriots offensive line coming into this game with four starters -- left tackle Isaiah Wynn, left guard Michael Onwenu, right guard Shaq Mason and right tackle Trent Brown -- all not playing, the protection was actually pretty solid. Jones was sacked only once and hit just four times.
Highlights
The Patriots to the ball to begin the second half but the drive didn't last long because Jones was intercepted by Lonnie Johnson Jr.
Jones' only touchdown pass of the game happened in the fourth quarter. He found tight end Hunter Henry for a 13-yard score.