Mac Jones Responds to Criticism Following 'Dirty' Hit on Eli Apple

Apple and the Bengals were upset about Jones' hit in the open field.

CINCINNATI — The NFL is reviewing Patriots quarterback Mac Jones' hit that he placed on Bengals cornerback Eli Apple in the fourth quarter of Cincinnati's 22-18 win in Foxborough. 

Apple called the hit dirty after the game. Jones responded on Monday.

"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," Jones said on WEEI. "So just kind of went down 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.

"You're out there trying to compete, 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. So 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 intending to do]; I get hit a lot, too. We're all out there playing hard. It's just part of the game."

I’d argue this is worthy of a suspension and a big fine from Mac Jones.

Incredibly dirty. pic.twitter.com/IhPh0m8r8K

— Blake Jewell (@BlakeJewellNFL) December 25, 2022

Jones won't be suspended for the hit, but he could get fined. He's never been fined by the NFL, even though he's had some questionable on-field moments during his two-year career. 

He twisted Panthers defensive end Brian Burns' ankle last season and appeared to hit Bears defensive back Jaquan Brisker in the groin earlier this year while sliding. 

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