It appears that Mac Jones is about to experience a career first. According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, the NFL plans to fine Jones $11,139 for his low hit on Bengals cornerback Eli Apple on Saturday.
Jones has had a couple questionable plays during his first two seasons, but this would be the first to result in any punishment from the NFL.
The play came during the second half of the Patriots' 22-18 loss when Germaine Pratt was returning what initially appeared to be a fumble by Jones (it was later ruled an incomplete pass). New England receiver Tyquan Thornton was chasing Pratt, and Apple was chasing Thornton. That's when Jones, in an effort to get in Apple's way, dove at Apple's legs.
Apple wasn't happy about the play, calling it "dirty" after the game.
Making his weekly appearance on WEEI with Christian Arcand and Mark Dondero on Monday, Jones explained his perspective of the play.
"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. "So just kind of went down in front of him, trying to stop a fast guy from getting to another fast guy.
"It's 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. 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 -- I get hit a lot, too. We're all out there playing hard. It's just part of the game."
Jones added that he wasn't aware of the play being blown dead or called back, either.
"No, honestly was just playing the play. I saw Tyquan running, and we were running to get him," he said. "At that point you have to play the play, and play all the way through, because you don't know what's happening -- if they're going to review it, if they're not going to review it. So just had to play it through and try to make the right play and slow everything down."
Jones also came under some criticism last season for appearing to twist Panthers defender Brian Burns' ankle and earlier this season for kicking his leg up while sliding to the ground and catching Bears defender Jaquan Brisker in the groin. He was not fined for either of those plays.
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