Bob Breidenbach/The Providence Journal via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Jets DC explains why Patriots QB Mac Jones will be a 'difficult challenge' in Week 2

New England Patriots rookie quarterback Mac Jones was impressive in his NFL regular-season debut against the Miami Dolphins last weekend. 

The Patriots are now preparing to face the New York Jets in Week 2 at MetLife Stadium, and Gang Green defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich knows Jones will present a significant challenge for his unit. 

"He's way better than I wanted him to be," Ulbrich said during a press conference Thursday when asked about the scouting report on Jones. "You anticipate seeing a young, inexperienced quarterback making young, inexperienced quarterback-type of decisions. I didn't see a whole lot of that."

Ulbrich added: "Part of that was he's got some real skill and poise. Obviously, he comes from a school where they get NFL-caliber coaching, so he's probably as NFL-ready as you can find from the quarterback position. They're working the scheme around him and giving him some clean reads and some easy progressions. He's got some good guys to throw to, too, so it's all those things."

Jones completed 29-of-39 passes for 281 yards and a touchdown in a 17-16 loss to the Dolphins during Week 1. If it wasn't for a Damien Harris fumble, New England might have won the game. 

The Patriots have beaten the Jets 10 straight times, dating back to 2016. Based on how Jones played against Miami, Bill Belichick's squad should be able to extend that streak this weekend. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mavericks big man on track for Game 4 return
Pacers collapse down the stretch as Celtics sweep ECF
Hall of Famer, beloved broadcaster Bill Walton dead at 71
Jason Robertson leads Stars to comeback win over Oilers in Game 3
Despite recent form, Rafael Nadal's legacy is still gold standard for tennis
Bengals coach offers significant injury update on QB Joe Burrow
MLB officials expect automated ball-strike system to be implemented in 2026
Vikings reportedly considered Justin Jefferson trade during NFL Draft
A matured Kyrie Irving is finally proving to be the star we all knew he could be
Insider: Sixers 'a threat' to sign LeBron James in free agency
Week 14 NASCAR rankings: Larson's no-show shakes up the running order
Three hitters Braves should target after losing Ronald Acuna Jr.
Shohei Ohtani shares major update on his pitching rehab
Status of Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton revealed for Game 4 of ECF
Martins designate right-hander for assignment
Dave Pasch pays heartfelt homage to longtime broadcast partner Bill Walton
Rangers' Jacob Trouba fined $5K for elbowing Evan Rodrigues
Eagles players gush over leadership qualities of Saquon Barkley
NFL considering regular-season games in Dublin, Paris
Nationals designate former top prospect for assignment

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.