Was Mac Jones' tackle on Eli Apple worthy of a fine? Patriots QB expected to face disciplinary action from the NFL
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones will face a fine from the NFL after his tackle on Cincinnati Bengals corner Eli Apple on Saturday afternoon. The Patriots had fumbled the ball and as Germaine Pratt was attempting to return it, Jones landed a low hit to Apple's knees. Jones and Apple were both at least five yards away from Pratt and the tackle seemed unnecessary
I’d argue this is worthy of a suspension and a big fine from Mac Jones.
Incredibly dirty. https://t.co/IhPh0m8r8K
The NFL won't suspend the Pats quarterback for the low hit on Apple but, according to Mike Florio, he is expected to be fined $11,139 this week. This isn't the first time that Mac Jones has been seen making a late or unnecessary hit on a member of the opposing defense. Which is probably why the NFL is taking action and fining Jones.
Jones' actions are also worthy of a fine due to the fact that many have been critical of the officials catering to quarterbacks. The league also can't have quarterbacks possibly causing injuries to defensive players, especially when there isn't a play to be made.
Apple was asked after the game about his thoughts on the quarterback's hit on him. He said that he was aware that the quarterback had made a move like that before and that he thought it was uncalled for:
“Of course I did notice it. He tripped me. I thought it was a dirty play. He’s done that before, I’ve seen it.”
The reality is that it was a dirty play, largely due to how unnecessary it was. We will see if the NFL agrees in the coming days.
Other times that Mac Jones has played dirty
Second-year quarterback Mac Jones is starting to gain a reputation for the way he reacts during plays. This past weekend's low hit on Bengals cornerback Eli Apple was not the first time that he has been seen making an unnecessary hit or move.
It's not even the first time this season, but it will be the first time that he will be fined for his actions (if that is what transpires).
In a Week 7 matchup against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, Mac Jones ran with the ball and slid as Bears rookie defensive back Jaquan Brisker ran towards him. He kicked Brisker in the upper leg, cleat side up. While Brisker was fortunate not to be injured, he did get his own payback by intercepting the quarterback's next pass.
Jaquan Brisker got kicked in the [REDACTED] by Mac Jones and then picked him off the next play. https://t.co/k26fYRLYbA
In 2021, Jones was seen purposely twisting Carolina Panthers pass rusher Brian Burns' ankle after he was sacked.
This kind of on-field behavior is ugly and not in the spirit of the game. There is little doubt that if they continue, Mac Jones will gain a reputation for dirtiness and defenders will begin trying to get under his skin. We will see if the NFL attempts to nip this in the bud before someone gets hurt.