Dec 24, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) looks to pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Gillette Stadium. David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Patriots QB Mac Jones is developing reputation for being dirty player

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 12/25/22

We still do not know what type of player New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is when it comes being a franchise quarterback.

But he is developing quite a reputation for being another type of player.

Dirty.

Jones had another incident that is getting some attention in the Patriots' 22-18 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday when he dove at the knees of Eli Apple during an apparent fumble return.

The incident happened in the fourth quarter when Jones lost the ball, which was then scooped up by the Bengals Germaine Pratt and returned for what looked to be a touchdown.

The player was eventually reviewed and ruled as an incomplete pass. But during the run-back Jones can be seen diving at Apple's knees even though Apple does not have the ball.

I’d argue this is worthy of a suspension and a big fine from Mac Jones.

Incredibly dirty. pic.twitter.com/IhPh0m8r8K
— Blake Jewell (@BlakeJewellNFL) December 25, 2022

There is not much defense for that sort of play because instead of chasing after the guy with the footall, Jones just took an opportunity to take out an opponent that was not a threat to score.

Apple was not a fan of the play and called out Jones after the game for the "dirty" play and that he has seen Jones do it before.

Apple is not the only person that has noticed Jones' willingness to toe the line between football play and dirty play.

Here is a compilation of a few of his more questionable plays during his very brief two-year NFL career.

Mac Jones is a dirty player - Compilation video from 4 different incidents from his two-year career. pic.twitter.com/LFDUugodvA
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 25, 2022

Usually the dirty player label is reserved for defensive players, or wide receivers that like to deliver blindside blocks, or even linemen for the way they play in the pile.

You do not usually see it handed out in the direction of quarterbacks. But the more this type of thing keeps happening with Jones, the more justified it might be.

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