Joe Milton, the former Tennessee football quarterback, made a remarkable entrance into the NFL, debuting with the New England Patriots on Sunday. He took the field following the first drive by usual starter Drake Maye, who managed a quick three-and-out against the Buffalo Bills.
Milton seized the opportunity and orchestrated a solid opening drive, culminating in a thrilling 1-yard rushing touchdown on a read option keeper, which he celebrated with an impressive backflip in the end zone.
This matchup presented a unique scenario for both Milton and the Patriots. The Bills had opted to rest many of their key players ahead of the upcoming playoffs, having already secured the No. 2 seed in the AFC. On the other hand, New England faced a critical situation where a loss would grant them the coveted No. 1 overall draft pick, while a win could drop them out of the top three selections. Amidst these circumstances, head coach Jerod Mayo, who took over from the legendary Bill Belichick, is reportedly facing pressure as he ends his first season.
Milton’s impressive showing could not only bolster his standing within the team but also solidify his place in the league. As a sixth-round pick last April, he has primarily been the Patriots’ No. 3 quarterback this season and may have positioned himself for the No. 2 role with a standout performance.
This early glimpse of Milton’s potential can inspire optimism for both him and the Patriots, hinting at a promising future as they navigate a transitional phase.