New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is enjoying some success during his rookie season.
He has the most wins among first-year quarterbacks, and the Patriots are just half a game behind the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East.
In an ultra-competitive AFC, he might even lead the Patriots to the playoffs in his first year.
Jones is also completing 68 percent of his passes and has thrown 10 touchdowns.
Not to belabor the point, but you won't get a better look at the Mac Jones ankle twist than this one from NFL Films. You can clearly see the grab, the trip, and the roll. It's not great. pic.twitter.com/pBjUnqJ8Wc
— Phil Orban (@philorbanWSOC9) November 8, 2021
But is he imbibing the Patriots aura nine games into his NFL career?
The team’s sustained success marred by controversies merited them comparisons with Star Wars antagonists.
During the 2016 NFL Honors, comedian Conan O’Brien compared head coach Bill Belichick to Emperor Palpatine.
While it’s comical, the reference made sense because of Belichick’s serious and sinister nature.
That said, is Jones embracing that persona with a dangerous tackle on the Carolina Panthers’ Brian Burns?
Worse, Burns aggravated an ankle injury and did not get an apology from Jones for the apparent dirty tackle.
A Dubious Excuse For The Rookie
Jones thought that Burns had the ball to his defense, and he was making the tackle to end the play.
It was after he got up that he realized that the ball was in another spot.
Burns tried to break free from Jones by twisting his ankle but to no avail.
But no matter how much Jones defends himself, replay videos reveal that his tackle aimed at inflicting injury.
you can see Jones grabs Burns’ leg here https://t.co/LAGTsvq0LG pic.twitter.com/JY9oeuX4Yh
— Bill Voth (@PanthersBill) November 7, 2021
First, why clip someone’s ankle when you could wrap his legs?
Second, aside from grabbing Burns’ ankle, he clipped the other leg with his legs in what looked like a wrestling submission.
Third, there was no remorse from Jones after doing what’s an egregious act because he left Burns behind.
No wonder Burns felt frustrated that Jones did not incur any penalties from that incident.
Burns takes down Mac Jones and Luvu recovers
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/htMtFu50P2
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) November 7, 2021
The lack of remorse compelled him to call upon his fellow pass rushers to hunt down Jones.
If his brothers heed his call, the rookie from Alabama will be in trouble.
In their upcoming games, the Patriots will face Myles Garrett, Grady Jarrett, Jeffery Simmons, Gregory Rousseau, and DeForest Buckner.
Did Jones Deserve A Penalty?
It’s easy to see if Burns did have the ball.
One glance will help Jones determine if there’s merit in holding onto his ankle.
But with or without the ball, the NFL must bestow a penalty on the Patriots quarterback.
Otherwise, it will set precedence throughout the league that a tackle of that nature is allowed.
No matter how you look at it, Jones endangered Burns’ welfare, and he must get a one or two-game suspension.
#Panthers pass-rusher Brian Burns says it would be nice if Mac Jones apologized for grabbing his ankle on Sunday, but he doesn’t expect it to happen. “I would just like to play them again. I wish all my fellow D-end brothers happy hunting.” pic.twitter.com/V3iQc8YBJY
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 10, 2021
The league must also levy a fine on Jones as punishment despite his justification.
If the NFL is serious about maintaining player safety, this act is a clear violation of what they’re trying to uphold.
Since the Patriots are not keen on making apologies, the league can set limits on what constitutes a legal tackle.
New England must accept the fines and suspensions awaiting Jones.
Otherwise, they cannot act like a victim if their quarterback suffers the same fate.
NEXT: The Patriots Are Now A Serious Playoff Contender