The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the New England Patriots 22-18 on Saturday.
One of the most talked-about events of the game happened on a play that didn’t count.
The controversy happened with 6:17 left in the fourth quarter with the Patriots trailing 22-12. There, New England quarterback Mac Jones attempting to avoid a sack by Bengals safety Vonn Bell, flicked the ball forward to the turf.
Thinking the ball was live, Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt picked up the ball and dashed down the sidelines. Jones gave chase, and when he realized he couldn’t catch Pratt, dove into the legs of Bengals cornerback Eli Apple.
“I’d argue this is worthy of a suspension and a big fine from Mac Jones. Incredibly dirty,” NFL reporter Blake Jewell wrote about the video, which showed Jones submarining Apple.
Apple didn’t mince words after the game. The six-year NFL veteran called the play dirty and said he’s seen these antics from Jones before.
“Of course, I did (notice it). He tripped me,” Apple told NESN.com after Cincinnati’s Christmas Eve win. “I thought it was a dirty play. He’s done that before. I’ve seen it.”
Apple did not immediately clarify which other incident involving Jones he was referencing.
“Yeah, well, they’re going home now.”
[NESN]
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