The New England Patriots just needed to end the play and head to overtime so that they can continue battling the Las Vegas Raiders and have a shot at coming out with the victory, or at worst a tie.
But, on the final play, a mind-blowing decision by Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to throw the ball across the field, during a lateral play as time expired, led to Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones intercepting the ball, stiff-arming Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, and bolting to the end zone to end the game and clinch a win for the Raiders.
What just happened?? The @Raiders win on the final play!! #NEvsLV pic.twitter.com/cmKNUuab1k
— NFL (@NFL) December 19, 2022
“I’ve got to tackle the guy,” Jones said, via NBC Sports Boston. “It’s on me. It’s my fault.
“If I tackle him we play for overtime,” Jones added. “Not good enough by me. It is what it is.”
Jones also defended Myers.
“I think Jakobi is one of the best teammates I’ve ever had,” Mac Jones said. “He’s a fighter and he does everything he can to help the team. Obviously, you have to ask coach about it and see what our plan was. But, at the end of the day, the guy is out there fighting and trying to win the game. There’s a lot of things I could have done better in the game.
“I love Jakobi and I love all the guys on our team. It’s not Jakobi’s fault,” Jones added.