Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss mentioned he was simply doing his job after a tough hit on Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart sparked stress in Monday’s sport at Gillette Stadium.
Dart, who returned to motion after lacking two video games resulting from a concussion, escaped the pocket and ran to his proper when Elliss lowered his shoulder and despatched the rookie sign caller flying out of bounds within the first half.
“Be sure that to slip,” Elliss merely mentioned when requested what sort of message that sort of hit sends to opposing groups’ QBs following New England’s 33-15 win over the Giants.
Added Elliss: “Through the play, I noticed the scramble, I began chasing him [Dart] down. He began tiptoeing on the sidelines and I believed he was simply going to exit of bounds, however then I noticed him tiptoeing, keep in bounds… what am I purported to do?
“We play arduous on protection. We attempt to liven up this group. In order that’s all I used to be attempting to do, do my job and hit something within the whites.”
After the hit on Dart, Giants tight finish Theo Johnson shoved Elliss as gamers from each groups received concerned.
Johnson was flagged for a private foul as New York was down by 10.
“I perceive it. I perceive it 100 [percent],“ Elliss mentioned of the dustup. “If that was [Patriots quarterback] Drake [Maye] that took that shot, we’d’ve in all probability reacted the very same manner.”
Dart, who performed down the hit, defined that he wouldn’t have accomplished something in another way on the play.
“Look, I perceive the query, however that is soccer,” the rookie mentioned. “I’m going to get hit if I’m within the pocket or outdoors the pocket.
“I really feel like I’ve performed this fashion my entire whole life. It shouldn’t be any shocker to anyone when you’ve adopted together with my profession. We’re not enjoying soccer out right here. You’re going to get hit, issues occur. It’s simply a part of the sport.”
Dart added that he’s “going to maintain enjoying aggressive” regardless of considerations over his fearless enjoying type.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel mentioned his group fed off Elliss’ hit.
“It’s a weekly reminder to the quarterback — our quarterback… I wouldn’t get too cute over there by the sidelines,” Vrabel mentioned.
The Giants (2-11) and the Patriots (11-2) have a bye in Week 14.
New York will play host to the Washington Commanders, whereas the Patriots will face the Buffalo Payments at Gillette Stadium on Dec. 14.
