Mac Jones' deep throws show potential for a more explosive Patriots attack

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There are quick-hit thoughts and notes about the New England Pats and the National Football League.

This is the first thing. Mac's deep ball: Spring practices are the beginning of the main menu, and quarterback Mac Jones and the offense provided a delicious preview of what they hope to be cooking in 2022.

The deep passing game could be improved.

In the final practice of mandatory mini camp, Jones delivered three downfield, tight-window throws.

There was a high-arc ball down the left sideline to Nelson Agholor, who had Jack Jones running stride-for-stride with him on a "go" route, so close that Jones was tugging on his jersey as the ball arrived.

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Jonnu Smith, who barely appeared open with safety Kyle Dugger in his back pocket, made a diving catch.

A 50-yard bomb down the middle to Nixon, who somehow pinned the throw to his chest with his right hand, as Jonathan Jones was all over him. Jones was shocked at the completion.

The plays that sparked the celebrations were great throws and catches against top coverage.

The way the offense and defense traded big-time shots against each other this spring is a sign that he looks for in a complete team.

Success in the deep passing game is needed to become a complete attack.

Consider these tidbits from last year.

• 39% of Jones' pass attempts were underthrown last season, ranking him 21st in the league.

• Jones had a completion rate of 38.8% on vertical routes. The completion percentage was above expectation, but it was not good.

• Jones tried to connect with Agholor, but he couldn't get it done.

• ThePatriots ranked 25th with only 1.6 yards of separation on deep balls

Jones said that the work must continue despite the progress that was made in practice this spring.

We want to be able to do whatever we want to do at any time. He said they were trying to have a bit of variety.

There are two When safety Rodney Harrison was a free agent in 2003 he practiced at a different pace and popped Troy Brown on a single play. On the final play of practice Tuesday, the guard got tangled up with the outside hitter after a pack of players were around a loose football, and there was shouting on the field.

No hard feelings from Judon, who later highlighted something other people around the Pats have said of Strange -- he's always full-throttle.

He was running from 30 yards away if you saw him. He was a great hustler.

There are three. Nixon, a practice squad receiver, made two of the most impressive plays this spring, so now the question is if he can carry that into training camp and make a case for a roster spot. Mac Jones said that he has a connection with Nixon that goes beyond the field. They used to drive to the stadium together, take their tests, and then enter the building with each other.

There are four. The team surprised the receiver with a cake upon his return after giving him an excused absence to attend his wedding. It's a moment that shows the camaraderie and chemistry that can be developed on the football field.

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Check out some of the best plays made by Arizona State's Jack Jones.

There are five. The first impressions of the New England's class of 2022.

• G Cole Strange is a plug-and-play starter.

• Working as a gunner could be his ticket to the game-day roster.

• The third baseman is still wearing a red non-contact jersey.

• Jack Jones is curious to see if he can start after looking at the part.

• The speed stood out for Pierre Strong Jr.

• One of the last players to leave the field is Bailey Zappe.

• The running back got an earful from the special teams coach for a blocking mistake.

• Sam Roberts doesn't have pads and full contact.

• They did not practice.

There are six. The financial value of receiving contributions from rookies would be highlighted if Jack Jones emerged as a contributor after finishing strong in spring practices. Jones' deal includes a signing bonus and a base salary of more than $1 million. His cap charges are just over one million dollars.

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There are seven. The fight is on. Agholor interrupted Jack Jones as he answered questions from reporters. It was a reference to USC's fight song, as Agholor and Jones both came out of the school in the same year. They had a few battles on the practice field of the Pats in the last few weeks and then shared their smiles afterwards. Before I came up here, I used to see him around the area. I like to compete with him. We improve each other.

There are eight. In the team's final minicamp practice, the coach was noticeably hands-on. He spent the majority of the workout twirling his whistle on the sideline and talking with Utah State's assistant coach. The extended chat with Banda had me wondering more about his background and what caught the attention of the coach.

There are nine. When the Pats return for training camp in late July, there will be a health check done on defensive tackle Cowart and rookies. If they don't make progress in the next month, they will be put on the physically unable to perform list. Running back James White and defensive back Marcus Jones were limited so they have some work to do.

There are ten. Were you aware? According to NFL Next Gen Stats, DeVanteParker has the most catches on tight-window throws in the past five seasons. They are next on the list. The definition of a tight window throw is less than a yard of separation.