Atlanta Falcons must watch out for Patriots toughest tackler Mac Jones

The Atlanta Falcons are getting ready to take on the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday followed by the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football. The Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is getting a lot of attention this week after an iffy takedown of Carolina Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns.

Whether or not this play is dirty all depends on who you ask. The Panthers’ defense obviously feels this is a dirty play while the Patriots would argue Mac was attempting to tackle Burns or keep him from getting the football.

To put this play into a bit of context it is completely normal for a defender to grab the offensive player’s leg and do whatever is needed to get the player to the ground. However, in this case, it is very obvious that Jones twists Burns’ ankle violently to pull him to the ground. Dirty or not it isn’t a great look for the Patriots rookie quarterback.

One has to wonder if it fuels opposing pass rushers’ fire a bit and they may have something extra for Mac going forward.

For Atlanta, this is really a non-story aside from the fact the Patriots beat their division rival and gave them a game in the standings. This game was less about Mac Jones and more about Sam Darnold being well Sam Darnold.

Brian Burns did attempt to come back into the ballgame but struggled to continue and will be further evaluated this week.  It is fair to wonder if it were Burns twisting Mac’s ankle to bring him down if the story might be viewed differently?

Regardless of which side you fall it is an interesting story ahead of Atlanta’s match-up with Mac Jones and the Patriots. A team that cannot be underestimated or overlooked as they have proven in surprise wins this season.