Former Vols QB Joe Milton has funny reaction to viral scramble play in first game with Patriots
Joe Milton brought a spark that the New England Patriots offense needed in their first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. He made some electric plays, one of which included an insane scramble that looked like it was going to result in a sack. But instead, he managed to get a first down. And following […]
Joe Milton brought a spark that the New England Patriots offense needed in their first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.
He made some electric plays, one of which included an insane scramble that looked like it was going to result in a sack. But instead, he managed to get a first down.
And following the game, Milton spoke about this moment with a smile on his face.
"Man, I haven't ran like that in so long. I feel like the NFL and college is very different in terms of what you do in practice and how much you can run," Milton said. "Thanks to the guys out there blocking."
Milton didn't come into the game until late in the third quarter, being the fourth quarterback in the rotation. Jacoby Brissett got the start, followed by Drake Maye. But they only got one drive each.
Then it was Bailey Zappe, but besides one touchdown drive that began at the Panthers 30-yard line, punter Bryce Baringer was busy.
Milton finished the game completing four of six passes for 54 yards, a touchdown, plus five rushing attempts for 22 yards. It was an impressive showing for the sixth round pick, who is looking to beat out Zappe for that third spot on the roster.
"We know he has a big arm. He has the athleticism," head coach Jerod Mayo said. "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. 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."
And even Mayo was willing to admit the difference between Milton and Zappe on Thursday.
"Zappe went out there, look, he's won games in the NFL before," Mayo explained. "But then just putting Joe in at a time where we needed a spark and he provided that spark, which I thought was good."
Not only did he get the team into field goal position, but Milton also had a nice touchdown pass to receiver JaQuae Jackson for 39 yards.
It was exactly the debut that the Former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback needed. He was a fun prospect coming out of college and as of right now, he's lived up to the hype.
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