New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo was proud of the effort from his team overall in Thursday's 17-3 win over the Carolina Panthers. However, there was one player in particular that Mayo felt exceeded expectations in the preseason opener.
That player was none other than rookie quarterback Joe Milton III.
The former University of Tennessee standout had an impressive NFL debut. He didn't come into the game until late in the third quarter, but it was clear that the offense moved more efficiently with him under center than it did with Bailey Zappe.