Patriots: Mac Jones injures Brian Burns after dirty play on fumble

To the untrained eye, it certainly seemed like New England Patriots QB Mac Jones got a little bit of his first-half frustration out on Carolina Panthers pass-rushing star Brian Burns.

Jones and the Patriots’ offense eventually broke through against the relatively inept Panthers early in the second quarter, with Rhamondre Stevenson capping a quick response drive with a rushing touchdown.

It was Carolina, though, that broke a scoreless tie first, after Jones stayed in the pocket for quite a while before being crunched from behind and surrendering the football.

After being taken down by 2019 first-rounder Brian Burns, Jones stayed on the ground as the ball squirted loose, grabbing a hold of Burns’ leg.

His next move certainly looked like a grab and twist, preoccupied with hampering the man who took him down instead of following the play. It was a business decision by Jones, but perhaps a bit of a sketchy one.

Patriots QB Mac Jones appeared to intentionally injure Brian Burns.

Jones has been getting smoked all season, and got up reeling after this hit. In the split-second after the play, though, we doubt he was thinking about the punishing, uncalled late hit he took against the Chargers last week.

This wasn’t premeditated. This was just an immediate, knee-jerk reaction to getting swarmed and embarrassed, an unfortunate capper on what was a bleak first quarter in Carolina.

Unfortunately, Jones has to be smarter than this. There are cameras everywhere. Nothing sneaks by eagle-eyed observers, and this blatantly dirty play that left Burns injured will no doubt be a topic of postgame conversation.

Injury recovery was supposed to be the name of the game on Sunday in Charlotte. Christian McCaffrey’s return was looked at as a sign of optimism prior to kickoff.

Instead, we’re left talking about a messy first half, some sloppy signs of regression, and a regrettable moment for Jones, who’s been so careful to always make correct decisions during his rookie year.

This one’s not getting framed on the mantle. Hopefully, Burns is alright.

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