Mac Jones explains why he grabbed Brian Burns' ankle

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots' Mac Jones says he thought Brian Burns had football on controversial play

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 11/8/21

New England Patriots rookie quarterback Mac Jones was involved in one of the most controversial moments of NFL Sunday when he appeared to twist the ankle of Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns late in the first quarter of New England's 24-6 win:

Here’s the video of Mac Jones grabbing Brian Burns ankle (just follow those two and you’ll see it). pic.twitter.com/OKWgBwIN9c
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) November 7, 2021

Carolina linebacker Haason Reddick blasted Jones for what he called a "dirty play" following the game, and the signal-caller explained his actions during an appearance on the WEEI "Merloni and Fauria" show on Monday.

"After I got hit pretty hard, I didn't really know what was going on," Jones said, per Mike Reiss of ESPN. "I thought he had the ball. It's my job to try to make the tackle. That was pretty much it.

"Obviously, when you get up and see the ball is actually down the field a little bit more -- it's just a bang-bang play. I didn't mean to hurt anybody or anything like that. I was just trying to tackle him and make the play, because I didn't really know what was going on"

The NFL is reviewing the incident and could fine Jones if the league agrees with Reddick's assessment, but the quarterback will not face a suspension:

The NFL will review #Patriots QB Mac Jones grabbing Brian Burns' ankle Sunday as part of its normal process, I'm told. Jones faces a possible fine, but nothing more than that.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 8, 2021

Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson is among those who believe Jones should be fined.

"Like I said during the game, no one is out there besides the players," Jones commented on Monday. "I just thought that's what happened and I had to make the tackle. So I did what I did in real time, and it is what it is."

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