The NFL had been weighing a possible fine against Mac Jones for an illegal low hit on a Bengals player during Saturday’s game and they finally decided on a number, which was oddly specific.
According to ProFootballTalk, Jones is being fined $11,139 for his low block on Eli Apple. This marks the fine in the Patriots quarterback’s NFL career.
The play happened after an apparent fumble recovery from Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt. As the Bengals defender raced to the endzone, Jones went low on Cincinnati cornerback Eli Apple in an apparent effort to take him out of the play. It was completely unneccessary.
While the play was eventually whistled dead because Jones was flagged for intentional grounding, the play is added to yet a growing list of dirty plays that Jones has been involved in during his short career.
“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.”
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Last season, Jones was called out for twisting the leg of Panthers linebacker Brian Burns after the Carolina defender sacked Jones and forced a fumble.
On Monday, the Pats QB defended his most recent play, stating that he had no intention of hurting anyone.
“I went down in front of him to kind of get in the way to stop him from slowing down Tyquan [Thornton] who obviously could make the tackle there,” said Jones. “So just kind of went down to get in front of him, trying to stop a fast guy from getting to another fast guy. It’s a split-second decision and there’s a lot that goes into it.”
