Bill Belichick on Chandler Jones’s usage in playoff opener: ‘We’ll find out Saturday’
Bill Belichick bristled when questioned Thursday about Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones, who checked into a hospital Sunday after reportedly having a bad reaction to synthetic marijuana.
Jones’s incident off the field won’t result in a suspension by the NFL, and he hasn’t missed any practice or meetings this week. But could Jones’s medical emergency result in fewer snaps?
“We’ll find out on Saturday,’’ Belichick said in a press conference. “I could just Xerox you a copy of the gameplan, and you could just send it over to Kansas City. Might be easier for all of us.’’
Belichick can be a harsh disciplinarian, benching players for off-field issues like missing a plane or practice (see: Malcolm Butler, Brandon Spikes) or onfield issues like fumbling (see: Stevan Ridley).
“Chandler Jones was admitted to the hospital on Sunday and released later that day,’’ the Patriots said in a statement on Tuesday. “He reported to work on time Monday morning and has participated in all meetings and practices since then.’’
Jones sought help from the Foxborogh police early Sunday morning, was evaluated by E.M.S. officials, and was sent to a nearby hospital.
The NFL will reportedly review Sunday’s happenings.
“There’s nothing more important to me personally than the health and well-being of players and staff at this organization,’’ Bill Belichick said, and referred reporters to the team’s statement.
He added: “Right now our focus is on Kansas City.’’
Jones finished with an NFL fifth-best 12.5 sacks, and Belichick has been quick to tout the defensive end’s ability to defend the run. According to SportingCharts.com, Jones played 78.9 percent of snaps during the 2015 season, which is sixth-highest among Patriots defenders.
Bill Belichick’s not mad; this is just his RBF
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