It’s been quite a few days of controversy for New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones.
First, he seemed to be locked into a battle for his job with rookie Bailey Zappe. (Note: He has since been named the permanent starter.)
Then, folks in the NFL world thought his pass on a Jaquan Brisker one-hand interception actually hit the SkyCam wire in Foxborough. (ESPN has since released a formal statement, noting that the camera angle of the Jones pass in question created a “false impression.”)
Now, some fans are reviewing some potentially questionable slides from Jones during Monday night’s 33-14 loss to Chicago. (Especially after he hit Brisker in the groin on one such slide.) Slides where it looks like he’s trying to kick at Bears defenders while surrendering himself.
In case it isn’t clear: That is not allowed.
When Mac Jones kicked #Bears @JaquanBrisker on Monday Night, there were questions if Mac purposely raised his leg up in order to make contact with the defender.
Based on this video of another slide, it could appear that he is trying to hit defenders.pic.twitter.com/dfKEuXCcRV
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 26, 2022
Woof. While it’s impossible to discern his exact intent, that is not a great look for Jones to whip his leg around and apparently try to make contact with Bears defenders once the plays are already over. Plus, after a similar incident with the Carolina Panthers’ Brian Burns last year, Jones seems to be developing a bit of a reputation for these kinds of plays.
Football is a physical and dangerous game, but that danger’s only supposed to happen between the whistles and when a quarterback isn’t sliding, intentionally taking themselves out of danger.
NFL fans compared Jones to the infamous Grayson Allen for his questionable sliding, among other thoughts
The Patriot Way https://t.co/a5oIESQSl1
— Rick Gubala (@Rick_Gubala) October 26, 2022
And the incident with the panthers. He really solidifying himself as a dirty QB https://t.co/630Fs0R1BW
— wwairline (TEMP BILLS FAN) (@whatsw1thfood) October 26, 2022
Not surprised to see Mac has a little Grayson Allen in him https://t.co/RjJPSXMyvk
— yohan (@Jshelton__) October 26, 2022
Most protected player on the field abusing that privilege and targeting defenders when they’re not allowed to hit him? Yeah, that’s some BS. League should consider some sort of small fine.#DaBears #MondayNightFootball https://t.co/wkjRu2Wp7n
— Ben Jennings (@Ben__Jennings) October 26, 2022
Oh where have I seen this behavior before? https://t.co/iVZn8apQ0x
— 704CAST (@704cast) October 26, 2022
Grayson Allen of the NFL except Grayson Allen is atleast somewhat talented
This dude is trash and he’s a dirty player https://t.co/3PNnVzqWpG
— Atlanta Hawks Fan (@atlhawkstime11) October 26, 2022
The Patriot Way https://t.co/JileQeKdOE
— Ced (@cedfunches) October 26, 2022
Yup dirty https://t.co/Xz3rDrT54j
— Chick Hernandez (@MrChickSports) October 26, 2022
Can’t stand this dude https://t.co/tVWrk3XaS4
— Charlie Parker (@cmparker999) October 26, 2022
Seems like a trend for the Patriots… https://t.co/C7WO5oE3SK pic.twitter.com/nKeZnteebQ
— AJ Pruitt (@adlerpruitt) October 26, 2022
Hes a dirty player https://t.co/YDuua83Zvt
— James™ (@Tacklessdata) October 26, 2022
The Grayson Allen of Football 🤷🏾♂️ https://t.co/0kKglula2H
— Marcus Spears (@mspears96) October 26, 2022
Grayson Allen of the NFL https://t.co/rJe1u6ENnw
— Nique (@NiqueBlanton) October 26, 2022
Grayson Allen of football https://t.co/aA2iGbjE2J
— Slaydro (@TheTrackMamba) October 26, 2022