Patriots’ Mac Jones to be fined for low-blocking Eli Apple, who called out QB for ‘dirty play’

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The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the New England Patriots 22-18 on Christmas Eve at Gillette Stadium. After the win, Bengals cornerback Eli Apple berated Patriots quarterback Mac Jones for what he called “dirty play.” Now Jones is to be punished for it.

The Patriots QB will be fined $11,139 for low blocking, according to Pro Football Talk, because it happened during a change of possession where any blocks below the waist are an injury.

Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt sped into the end zone after a fumbling recovery with members of both teams chasing after him. As Apple went to clear the way for Pratt and followed him into the end zone, Jones clipped and appeared to dive into Apple’s legs.

Jones defeated Apple, who went down during the play. Here’s a look at what happened in the fourth quarter:

When asked about the play and if he saw what Jones did, Apple said (via NESN.com), “Of course I did [notice it]. He tripped me.”

He also accused him of doing it before, explaining: “I thought it was a dirty game. He’s done it before, I’ve seen it.”

The touchdown was recalled as officials decided it was an incomplete pass as opposed to a fumble.

The Patriots’ offense has struggled all season, and the Bengals’ game was no exception, with less than mediocre running play and another narrow loss. New England is 7-8 and still fighting for a playoff spot. There are still two tough division games to come in the regular season, with the Miami Dolphins and the Buffalo Bills coming up next.