Mike ReissESPN Staff Writer3 Minute Reading
Mad Dog puts the Jets’ drought against the Patriots in perspective
Chris “Mad Dog” Russo talks about things that have come and gone since the New York Jets last beat the New England Patriots.
Jones told reporters Wednesday that he’s just looking ahead to Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox).
“Just really focused on the Cowboys, trying to prepare for a good defense. That’s my focus – trying to control the controlled,” Jones said. “I’m looking forward to just building this week. We have practice today, we have practice tomorrow and Friday. [Then a] game in a good stadium with a good football culture. So that’s what I’m looking forward to.”
Jones, who has been accused of cheap shots in the past, previously responded to Gardner’s comments.
He said he got up after a tough tackle on a quarterback sneak and said “good job” on defense. He said the place where he came into contact with Gardner was accidental.
Gardner’s admission, coupled with Jones being fined twice last season for unnecessary roughness and once for unsportsmanlike conduct, reignited questions about Jones’ reputation on the field around NFL.
His colleagues also dismissed the matter on Wednesday.
“Look, I haven’t really looked at it. I’m in the middle of a dog pack and there’s about 12 other guys laying on top of us after the QB sneak, so there’s no I really don’t see anything,” center David Andrews said. “So you can ask Mac about that.”
Added tight end Hunter Henry: “I’m focused on the Cowboys, just trying to focus on this week. That’s in the past, so just focus on what we have to do this week.”
Meanwhile, former Patriots safety Devin McCourty, who will be Jones’ teammate for the 2021 and 2022 seasons, was more direct when asked what happened Sunday.
“I wouldn’t call Mac a dirty player because I know him personally and I think he’s a good guy, he’s a good kid. The Greg Hill Show.”
“It doesn’t matter what any former teammates say, current teammates say; was it on purpose, did it happen, was it intentional? It doesn’t matter, because once you’re involved in so many of these situations, it is What it is. We can’t go back and say, ‘No, this is what it was meant to do.’
“There are a lot of players who play this game, and they are not involved in any of these things. I think he should do a better job … not necessarily on the football field .”