Patriots legend Julian Edelman blasts Mac Jones for Raiders debacle
The New England Patriots are several days removed from a crushing last-second loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
New England fell short after giving up 13 points in the final two minutes of regulation, topped by a failed lateral back from wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to quarterback Mac Jones that was intercepted by Raiders pass rusher Chandler Jones and taken back for the game-winning touchdown.
Since then, the Patriots have received plenty of criticism for the handling of the situation. Former star wideout Julian Edelman jumped into the conversation by stating that the Patriots quarterback should have tripped Jones on the disastrous play.
“Season’s on the line,†Edelman said, via NESN.com, in reference to quarterback Mac Jones. “You’ve got to trip him.â€
Edelman’s suggestion isn’t entirely from left field, as a tripping penalty would have resulted in a 10-yard penalty from where it occurred. That would have happened at the Patriots’ 44-yard line, resulting in it being pushed to the Patriots’ 34-yard line.
The Raiders would have set themselves up for a 52-yard field goal for kicker Daniel Carlson, who has made nine of 11 field goal attempts from 50 or more yards in the 2022 campaign.
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Although it would have put Las Vegas in a prime position, a 50-yard field goal isn’t a guarantee. Although the tripping penalty is a dirty play, it would have given the Patriots a chance to still win the game in overtime.
There are many ways the game could have unfolded, but it may prove to be a crushing blow to New England’s playoff chances.
