New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones has been called out for making “dirty” plays in the past. That continued once again this weekend when the second-year signal-caller got criticized for a terrible play during New England’s 22-18 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Bengals cornerback Eli Apple acknowledged how he thought Jones made a “dirty” play on him.
“Of course I did (notice it). He tripped me,” Apple told NESN.com after Cincinnati’s win. “I thought it was a dirty play. He’s done that before, I’ve seen it.”
Apple added: “Yeah, well, they’re going home now.”
Jones went low to take out Apple’s legs he chased down New England wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, who was himself running after the Bengals’ Germaine Pratt, who had recovered what was originally ruled a fumble but later called an incomplete pass.
On Monday, Jones finally responded to the play during an appearance on WEEI.
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“Obviously, I went down in front of him to kind of get in the way, to stop him from slowing down Tyquan, who obviously could make the tackle there,” Jones said, via ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “Just kind of went down in front of him and tried to stop a fast guy from getting to another fast guy. Just a split-second decision, and there’s a lot that goes into it. You’re out there trying to compete, and it’s a physical game, so just trying to help the team win.
“I have all the respect for Eli and the Bengals. They played a great game. There’s no hard feelings and definitely no intention to hurt anybody on that play, nor do I believe that when I’m playing quarterback that’s what [the defense is trying to do]. I get hit a lot, too. We’re all out there playing hard, and it’s just part of the game.”
There could be repercussions for Mac Jones’ low block on Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple in Saturday’s game at Gillette Stadium. The NFL is currently looking into the play.
The NFL is looking into Jones’ block for a potential fine, but they have already ruled out any suspension.
The 7-8 Patriots will face off against the 8-7 Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
