New England Patriots QB Mac Jones responds to criticism after ‘dirty’ hit on Cincinnati Bengals QB Eli Apple

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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 at Foxborough.

Apple called the shot dirty after the game. Jones responded Monday.

“I went down in front of him to keep him from slowing down Tyquan [Thornton], who obviously could tackle there,” Jones said on WEEI. “So just kind of fell past him, trying to stop a fast guy from getting to another fast guy. It’s a split-second decision and there are a lot of things that come into play.

“You’re out there trying to compete, it’s a physical game. So just try to help the team win. I have all respect for Eli and the Bengals. They played a great game. So there’s no hard feelings and certainly no intention to hurt anyone on this play. I also don’t believe that when I’m playing quarterback that’s what [the defense is intending to do]; I also get a lot of beatings. We are all playing hardball. It’s just part of the game.”

Jones won’t be suspended for the hit, but he could be fined. He was never fined by the NFL, although he had some questionable moments on the field during his two-year career.

He twisted the ankle of Panthers defensive end Brian Burns last season and appeared to hit Bears defensive back Jaquan Brisker in the groin earlier this year as he slipped.

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