Haason Reddick was disappointed that the officiating failed to protect defensive players after Mac Jones had held Brian Burns' ankle following a strip sack. (0:40).
FOXBOROUGH (Mass.) New England Patriots rookie quarterback Mac Jones claimed he was not trying to injure Carolina Panthers defensive line Brian Burns during a play that Burns' team called "completely dirt."
Jones was struck hard by Burns near the end the Patriots' quarter. He was then stripped from the blind side. As Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu recovered Burns' fumble, he then held Burns' right leg.
Burns left the field after the play. He returned to the game later in the fourth quarter, however.
"I didn't know what was happening after I was hit hard. He thought he had it. It is my responsibility to attempt to make the tackle. Jones stated that this was it in his weekly interview with WEEI's sports radio station "Merloni and Fauria".
It's just a bangbang play, but it's obvious when you look up and see that the ball is actually further down the field. I didn't intend to harm anyone or do anything similar. Because I wasn't sure what was happening, I just tried to tackle him and make the play.
The play was not penalized.
Haason Reddick, Panthers edge rusher, said that he saw it immediately after the game. He added: "At first, it felt like he tried to trip or kick Burns. The next thing I know, he was tugging at Burns' ankle. It was disgusting. It's something that the league will address.
As it reviews every play after games the NFL will review Jones' play and Jones could face a fine according to league rules concerning player accountability.
Reddick's Panthers linebacker Shaq Thomson will be watching the NFL's reaction.
"That was some B.S. Thompson stated that Mac Jones was guilty of some B.S. "We don’t need it in this type league if all of us claim to be brothers. It's not necessary to hurt another player.
Jones was interviewed Monday on radio by Jones about how it felt to hear the Panthers say they want him to be fined.
"Like I said during game, no one else is out there except the players. Jones stated on WEEI that he just believed that was what happened, and he had to make the tackle. "So, I did what I did in actual time and it is what is."
This report was contributed by David Newton, ESPN.
