Mac Jones is defending himself after a controversial block he made on cornerback Eli Apple in the New England Patriots’ loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Christmas Eve.

The current Patriots quarterback and Alabama product tackled Apple below the ankles, drawing many to deem it a dirty play.

However, Jones provides his explanation for his actions.

“Obviously, I went down in front of him to kind of get in the way, to stop him from slowing down Tyquan, who obviously could make the tackle there,” Jones said via NESN. “Just kind of went down in front of him and tried to stop a fast guy from getting to another fast guy. Just a split-second decision, and there’s a lot that goes into it. You’re out there trying to compete, and it’s a physical game, so just trying to help the team win.”

Jones adds that he would never intentionally attempt to harm an opponent.

“I have all the respect for Eli and the Bengals. They played a great game,” Jones said. “There’s no hard feelings and definitely no intention to hurt anybody on that play, nor do I believe that when I’m playing quarterback that’s what (the defense is trying to do). I get hit a lot, too. We’re all out there playing hard, and it’s just part of the game.”