New England Patriots veteran wideout DeVante Parker has been taking some heat for his odd explanation for dropping a beautifully thrown ball by Mac Jones in the final drive of last Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Initially, Parker said the ball was on his fingertips, which some took as him insinuating it was an overthrown ball by Jones.
After having a chance to watch the film, Parker was back with a different explanation this time around. Now, he’s saying his arm was grabbed by the defender.
“I saw where dude’s hand kind of tugged my arm a little bit,” said Parker. “My right hand got there kind of late. So I wasn’t able to get a full grasp of it. I was able to see pics of it. …That kind of messed up the timing a little bit.”
WR DeVante Parker was among those talking to reporters today in the locker room.
One topic I asked him about was what he saw on the long dropped pass in reviewing Sunday’s loss; he noted how the timing of getting his right hand up was affected. pic.twitter.com/DPYLXorCbh
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 18, 2023
Parker is seemingly talking about Raiders safety Marcus Epps, who was playing in coverage when the drop occurred.
Absolutely perfect pass from Mac Jones.
Drop from DeVante Parker.#Patriots pic.twitter.com/MMUDNGu8V4
— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) October 15, 2023
The throw was an absolute dime from Jones that looked to land right on the money for Parker. Nothing egregious happened on Epps’ end, either, with the ball being thrown out of reach of the defender.
Perhaps Parker lost concentration tracking the ball when he was being covered. But even if that were the case, this is still a ball that should have been caught with the game on the line.
It doesn’t help matters that he’s been ice cold at receiver with only 22 receptions for 136 yards and no touchdowns. His first excuse created an uproar from Patriots fans, and his second attempt didn’t do him any favors.
Here’s what people were saying about Parker’s latest excuse:
DeVante Parker showed football fans he is a LOSER by his comments after not catching a ball my 10 yr old football playing grandson would have caught!
— David Katz (@DavidKa99958025) October 19, 2023
What a liar! DeVante Parker should’ve taken responsibility for the missed catch as a regular professional athlete would do. Arrogance without any accountability is what’s killing this team (starting with Belichick of course)
— Fifth Angle (@FifthAngle1) October 19, 2023
Troy Brown catches the pass. DeVante Parker does not. Tale of two very different eras….
— RT (@ortizwalkoff) October 19, 2023
— Laurence D (@Pullosfan) October 18, 2023
Just have Thornton, Bourne and Boutte in next game…pls…enough with this bum
— Andrew (@andreatxx) October 18, 2023
The old Bill wouldn't let this stand.
— Sean Gagne (@seangagnepm) October 18, 2023
What a loser!!!!! Get this loser off of our team!!! No ownership whatsoever.. the dolphins shipped him in division cuz they thought so little of him. No Coincidence Tua’s #1 when everyone was talking about if he could even play in the league. Now he’s Mac’s and….
— Patrick (@patpatriot22) October 18, 2023
If you’re not going to take responsibility the least you can do is stop talking.
— TP (@chicago_251) October 19, 2023
he didn't drop his paycheck- that's right.
— steve graves (@srgraves2003) October 19, 2023
Disappointing and embarrassing to see a grown man not being able to hold himself accountable.
— Sean Stovall (@SEAnSick45) October 19, 2023
What is it about this guy that made BiLLLLL get him And extend him. Seems like kind of a dope tbf
— CelticPride🍀🏆 (@Patrickgreen18) October 18, 2023
What a loser
— Henry Sebrell (@HenrySebrell) October 19, 2023
He sucks. Top candidate for worst WR in the league
— X (@audiboyxb) October 18, 2023
No accountability.
Wish he would just say “I blew it”.
It happens.
Nobody is perfect.— Andrew Glashow (@GlashowAndrew) October 19, 2023
It’s crazy he doubled down after multiple days to calm down and think about it.
— The Boston GM (@TheBostonGM) October 19, 2023
Bro could’ve really just said “that’s one I should’ve caught” and it would’ve been a non story. It’s only a story because he has no accountability
— DohNuts (@dohnutsnodough) October 19, 2023
This is the damaged goods Miami gave us and we extended lmfaooo
— mitro (@mitro_gr) October 19, 2023
OMG get rid of this guy
— Chad Haskins (@_Chad_Haskins) October 18, 2023
If Parker needs a ball to be more perfect than that pass to catch it, he shouldn’t play WR
— Sam (@Taghkanic) October 18, 2023
Parker didn’t need to get his right hand up because Mac’s ball dropped into his open 2 hands at belt level. Trade or make him inactive and get Boutte in his position. Now.
— PatsSTH1969 (@PatsSTH1969) October 18, 2023
