2. Mac Jones, Patriots
Who would have guessed that Mac Jones would throw it 54 times against the Eagles on Sunday? If you had told me, before the game, that Jones would throw it that many times, I would have guessed that New England will have had found themselves in a deep hole. Instead, the game was relatively close throughout, and Jones still threw the ball that much.
Not only did he throw it a lot, but Jones threw it well. He finished 35-of-54 for 316 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He also only took two sacks against that vaunted Eagles defense. Now, the Patriots ended up losing 25-20, but Jones played well. He played much better than anyone would have anticipated going into this one.
Most educated football fans would have guessed this game to be a bloodbath for Jones, going up against Philadelphia's defense. He should have been eaten alive, but Jones continued to make play after play to keep his team in the game.
Look at the other factors, too. Jones was in his first game with a new offensive coordinator. The weather wasn't ideal. He started rough, throwing that pick-six. And, he still battled and wound up having himself a game. You have to tip your hat to the former Alabama star.