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An off-the-ball play by New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones seems to be rubbing some NFL fans the wrong way.
The play came on a legal forward pass that was ultimately ruled as an incomplete pass by Jones. However, Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt initially scooped up the fumble and ran the ball in the other direction in an attempt to put six points on the board for Cincinnati.
Jones could be seen running behind the play and taking out cornerback Eli Apple’s legs. The Bengals’ defensive back was furious after the game and even went as far as calling out Jones’ hit as a “dirty play.”
“Of course I did [notice it]. He tripped me,” said Apple, via NESN.com. “I thought it was a dirty play. He’s done that before, I’ve seen it.”
Not sure about this move from Mac Jones. pic.twitter.com/NlXdkknko8
— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) December 24, 2022
The play on the field is certainly up to interpretation, and it’ll be interesting to see if the NFL hands down a fine.
Was Mac Jones' hit on Eli Apple dirty?
He’s a dirty player, that’s it pic.twitter.com/dYWwa4cpGA
— MauricioD (@mad76) December 24, 2022
That’s football man, come on this is ridiculous
— Football Cuck (@FootballCuck) December 25, 2022
Mac Jones slowly becoming the Grayson Allen of the NFL
— Huzefa (@HuzefaTawa) December 25, 2022
approved pic.twitter.com/0PnL3IWBPx
— Willie Coleman (@bartlenr) December 25, 2022
One of the dirtiest players in the league.
— LucasB (@theRealFacted) December 25, 2022
In football,this is called a block.
— BillyBillyBills (@WankmanSkip) December 24, 2022
Mac Jones is the type of guy who thinks he's tough when he has the numbers or bigger men to protect him. I grew up with a few of his type.
— Laurence Cabana (@CabanaLaurence) December 25, 2022
This unbelievably dirty. Guy has nothing to do with the play
— Wolf of Broad Street (@WolfofBroadSt3) December 24, 2022
He’s a dirtbag
— dan mendes (@Mendes4109) December 24, 2022
I can't get too upset about that, the Bengals are one the dirtiest teams in the NFL
— Lillyc (@fannyskid3) December 24, 2022
I can't get too upset about that, the Bengals are one the dirtiest teams in the NFL
— Lillyc (@fannyskid3) December 24, 2022
It’s how the Patriots have always done things: if winning is in doubt either cheat or play dirty.
— Michael LaFave (@MichaelLaFave) December 25, 2022
Dirty play. Not the first time he has done something like that. Kicked player in groin in Bears game
— Robert L (@rjl2j) December 25, 2022
Bum move
— coach Merkert (@coach_merkert) December 25, 2022
@danorlovsky7 can someone talk about how dirty this kid is?
— dae (@DayToDae) December 25, 2022
Get this guy out of the league! @NFL
— Ryan Adams (@RyanAdams480) December 25, 2022
Mac Jones a bum… been a bum since bama… Patriots drafting him was the worst decision
— 🥶🧊 Freeze's Ice Tray 🧊🥶 (@WarDamnRandy) December 25, 2022
— justin IG name the same (@TheJustinLoyd) December 25, 2022
Yea this was lame and ima pats fan
— cornbread lucci (@kltpzyxm_mr) December 25, 2022
No point in it tried injuring @EliApple
— THEY GOTTA PLAY US (@tstewart71086) December 25, 2022