Mac gets best of Zach in rookie QB showdown

Sunday’s Jets-Patriots game at MetLife Stadium was all about two rookie quarterbacks playing their second NFL game. It was always going to be about Zach Wilson, the No. 2-overall draft pick by the Jets, and Mac Jones, the No. 15-overall pick by the Patriots.

By the time the Patriots 25-6 blood-letting of the Jets was complete, there was little doubt which of the two rookie quarterbacks is better at this stage of his career.

Jones.

Jones was everything the Jets wanted — and needed — Wilson to be on this day. He was poised and played essentially mistake-free in that he didn’t turn the ball over while Wilson gave it away four times on interceptions — two of which came on his first two throws in the game.

After the game, Jets coach Robert Saleh delivered the most telling and appropriate quote of the day when he said he told Wilson, “Sometimes, it’s OK to be boring.’’

Because you know what Jones was?

Boring.

He was boring but efficient, completing 22 of 30 passes for 186 yards. Most importantly, though, Jones didn’t throw an interception or lose a fumble.

That’s the most important ingredient to winning in the NFL: Don’t beat yourself.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick has made a career out of forcing opposing teams into making mistakes and making them pay for them.

The two most memorable plays Jones made in the game, in fact, had nothing to do with him throwing the ball.

One came on New England running back Damien Harris’ 26-yard scoring run, on which he broke seven tackles and by the time he got near the goal line the entire Patriots offense was pushing him over the threshold — including the rookie quarterback who’d sprinted the 30 yards down the field to get into the fray.

Another came on an endaround by Kendrick Bourne when Jones threw a nice roll block on Jets defensive lineman Shaq Lawson, taking him to the ground.

“Mac’s been consistent on just Mac being Mac and not trying to do too much,’’ Patriots safety Devin McCourty said.

Wilson tried to do too much Sunday. Jones didn’t.

After the game, Jones offered his fellow rookie quarterback some advice as they met on the field.

“Zach’s going to be a really good player and as rookie QB I told him after the game that we just have to continue to get better,’’ Jones said. “It’s part of the game, and our defense is really good. It’s a tough defense to go against. I go against them in practice and probably throw a lot of picks.

“It sucks, but Zach is going to be a great player. He kept his head up. He’s definitely going to continue to grow — just like I will, too.’’