New England Patriots rookie quarterback Joe Milton stole the show on Thursday night as he led the team to victory over the Carolina Panthers.
While many were anticipating the debut of fellow Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye, Milton was the one who set social media ablaze.
NFL World Reacts to Joe Milton’s Electric Performance
Milton completed four of six passing attempts for 54 yards and one passing touchdown, while also adding 22 rushing yards. The rookie quarterback was able to showcase his unique skill set that Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings detailed in his scouting report.
“Physical tools serve as the main selling point for Milton,” Cummings said. “At around 6’5″, 235 pounds, he’s an exceptional linear athlete with great burst and speed in open space, and he’s also a rocket-armed signal-caller who can drive elite velocity to all ranges with effortless ease.”
Joe Milton with a dart 🎯 for a @Patriots TD!
🎥: @NFL pic.twitter.com/8PKXv1oSuF
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) August 9, 2024
Milton put his skills on display during New England’s victory over Carolina on Thursday night. The NFL world couldn’t help but react to Milton’s impressive performance.
Joe Milton looking like Patrick Mahomes out there 👀pic.twitter.com/FsCYHN4KhP
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) August 9, 2024
Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel of The Athletic praised Milton for his epic preseason debut. Even going as far as tweeting “maybe the reports of Joe Milton having a better camp than Drake Maye are true.”
Joe Milton tonight:
4/6 54 yds 1 TD (9.0avg) Passing
2 carries for 25 yards RushingI’ve heard GREAT things coming from #Patriots camp. Making the most of his opportunity on a national stage. Love to see it
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) August 9, 2024
According to Steve Perrault of Underdog Fantasy, Milton could be the next iteration of Tom Brady in New England, as Perrault jokingly set some lofty expectations for the rookie quarterback, including at least five straight Super Bowl titles.
Perrault wasn’t the only one getting in on the fun. Dave Kluge of Footballguys ranked Milton among the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
Kluge listed Milton against Carolina’s third-string defense as the third-best quarterback in NFL history, trailing only Kansas City Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Brady.
Greatest NFL QBs of all time
1. Patrick Mahomes
2. Tom Brady
3. Joe Milton against the Panthers’ third-string defense— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) August 9, 2024
Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic enjoyed Milton’s epic scramble for a first down. Milton was often criticized for making things a bit too difficult in college, which is exactly what he did on his impressive run late in the third quarter on Thursday.
“This is exactly how I envisioned Joe Milton’s NFL debut,” Baumgardner said.
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That is certainly fitting given how frustrating Milton was to watch at times in college. While there is no denying Milton’s physical tools, he needs to prove that he can put it all together at the next level.
This is exactly how I envisioned Joe Milton’s NFL debut. pic.twitter.com/NqzFQJkMFu
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) August 9, 2024
Yet it’s clear that Milton is off to a great start in New England. Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo was quick to praise the rookie quarterback following the team’s first preseason game.
According to Zack Cox of the Boston Herald, Mayo was asked if any players exceeded his expectations during New England’s matchup against the Panthers. While he admitted that he needed to rewatch the film, Mayo noted that Milton would be the easy answer to the question.
Anyone exceed Jerod Mayo's expectations tonight?
Mayo: "I need to go back and watch the film, but the easy answer would be Joe (Milton)."
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) August 9, 2024