Another NFL defender publicly criticized the play of New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones.

Bengals cornerback Eli Apple accused the signal-caller of making a "dirty play" in Cincinnati's 22-18 win over the Patriots on Saturday.

During the contest's fourth quarter, Cincinnati linebacker Germaine Pratt recovered a fumble that he was in the midst of returning for a touchdown when Jones appeared to dive at the legs of Apple, who was several yards behind Pratt.

"Of course I (noticed). He tripped me," Apple told NESN's Sean T. McGuire postgame. "I thought it was a dirty play. He's done that before - I've seen it."

Officials nullified the play after determining that Jones' pass was an incompletion, not a fumble.

Apple's criticism marks the second time in as many seasons that Jones has been targeted for questionable tactics during a game. Carolina Panthers pass-rusher Brian Burns called out Jones last year after sustaining an injury when the quarterback grabbed his leg following a strip sack.

Jones and the Patriots will host the Miami Dolphins on New Year's Day.