Mac Jones silenced even his biggest critics after the Patriots quarterback led New England to a 29-25 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
Well-known Jones hater Rex Ryan proved that as much as anyone Monday morning. Ryan, who famously called Jones a "peashooter" and has since doubled and tripled down on the remark, actually paid the third-year signal-caller a compliment after the signature win.
"Honestly, this is the best throw I've ever seen him make," Ryan said during ESPN's "Get Up" on Monday in reference to Jones' throw to Hunter Henry on what proved to be the game-winning drive.
Facing third-and-8 from the Buffalo 39-yard line, Jones hit Henry for a 14-yard conversion with 47 seconds remaining. The ball was perfectly thrown with Bills safety Taylor Rapp sticking Henry as soon as he caught it. The fact Jones faced pressure off the edge added to the difficulty, too.
Story continues below advertisement
No Matchup Found
Click here to enter a different Sportradar ID.
Five plays later, Jones hit tight end Mike Gesicki on another well-placed ball for a 1-yard touchdown. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick referred to the game-winning possession as "a lot of good football."
Ryan's sentiments about Jones were common among others around the industry, as well. We'll see if they continue past this week as the Patriots face the heavily favored Miami Dolphins in Week 8.
Story continues below advertisement
Featured image via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images