New England Patriots veteran wideout DeVante Parker has been taking some heat for his odd explanation for dropping a beautifully thrown ball by Mac Jones in the final drive of last Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Initially, Parker said the ball was on his fingertips, which some took as him insinuating it was an overthrown ball by Jones.
After having a chance to watch the film, Parker was back with a different explanation this time around. Now, he’s saying his arm was grabbed by the defender.
“I saw where dude’s hand kind of tugged my arm a little bit,” said Parker. “My right hand got there kind of late. So I wasn’t able to get a full grasp of it. I was able to see pics of it. …That kind of messed up the timing a little bit.”
WR DeVante Parker was among those talking to reporters today in the locker room.
One topic I asked him about was what he saw on the long dropped pass in reviewing Sunday’s loss; he noted how the timing of getting his right hand up was affected. pic.twitter.com/DPYLXorCbh
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 18, 2023
Parker is seemingly talking about Raiders safety Marcus Epps, who was playing in coverage when the drop occurred.
Absolutely perfect pass from Mac Jones.
Drop from DeVante Parker.#Patriots pic.twitter.com/MMUDNGu8V4
— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) October 15, 2023
The throw was an absolute dime from Jones that looked to land right on the money for Parker. Nothing egregious happened on Epps’ end, either, with the ball being thrown out of reach of the defender.
Perhaps Parker lost concentration tracking the ball when he was being covered. But even if that were the case, this is still a ball that should have been caught with the game on the line.
It doesn’t help matters that he’s been ice cold at receiver with only 22 receptions for 136 yards and no touchdowns. His first excuse created an uproar from Patriots fans, and his second attempt didn’t do him any favors.
Here’s what people were saying about Parker’s latest excuse: