Patriots Rookie QB Joe Milton III Praises Coaches, ‘Getting Details Right’ After Win Over Panthers

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Though the eyes of New England Patriots fans were understandably focused on rookie quarterback Drake Maye making his pro debut during the team’s preseason opener, it was another first-year phenom that captured the attention — and possibly, the hearts — of Pats Nation.

With 4:01 remaining in the third quarter of their eventual 17-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night at Gillette Stadium, New England’s sixth-round (No. 193 overall) selection in April’s draft Joe Milton, III provided them with a much-needed spark on offense in what had been a relatively stagnant contest.

Despite his impressive athleticism and near-mythical arm strength taking center stage, Milton was quick to credit his new coaching staff for providing the guidance he needed to refine his mechanics.

“I feel like the coaches, the team itself have put a lot of work in to get us where we need to be, especially at the quarterback position” Milton told reporters following Thursday night’s game. “The OC, Coach AVP [Alex Van Pelt] and T.C. [McCartney] and Ben [McAdoo] … they put a lot of stress on getting the details right. Your eyes don’t match your feet – and just being able to go where your feet tell you to go, and if it’s not there just being able to move on.”

Taking just 20 snaps on offense, Milton completed 4-of-6 for 54 yards and one 38-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver JaQuae Jackson. Milton also rushed five times for 22 yards, helping to set up a 42-yard field goal from kicker Joey Slye in the fourth quarter.

The 6-5, 246-pound quarterback spent his first three collegiate seasons at Michigan before transferring to Tennessee for his final three. Milton started all 12 games last season and completed 229-of-354 passes for 2,813 yards and 20 touchdowns. Known for his exceptional arm strength, Milton should compete for a place on the Patriots quarterback depth chart behind veteran Jacoby Brissett and Maye — while currently holding an advantage over incumbent Bailey Zappe.

Related: Joe Milton III Finds JaQuae Jackson for First Career Touchdown in Preseason Opener

Still, Milton is not resting on his laurels. Instead, the 24-year-old is determined to apply the lessons he has learned from his coaches to his undeniable athletic prowess.

“Being able to trust the coaching, the guys around you and just trust the knowledge that they’re passing along,” Milton said. “Being able to just be there and just take it all in.”

On that basis, the best has likely yet to come for Joe Milton, III.