NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms is not a fan of the hit from Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Calais Campbell that resulted in the injury of New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones.
During Tuesday’s episode of Pro Football Talk, he even went as far as calling the play “borderline dirty.”
“I didn’t love the tackle by Calais Campbell on that play,” said Simms “I thought it was like borderline dirty. …Kind of has a chance to hit him square, doesn’t hit him square. …Kind of just dead weights him and falls on his ankle. And I didn’t love that altogether. I really didn’t. I didn’t think it was really necessary actually in the moment, especially for a big human like Calais Campbell.”
Jones was diagnosed with a “severe” high ankle sprain after undergoing tests. The injury could require surgery, but the Patriots’ second-year quarterback is reportedly seeking a second opinion to avoid a surgical procedure.
After the game, Campbell claimed the hit on Jones wasn’t intentional. He believes he was just trying to make a play.
“The game’s on the line, fourth quarter. They made a couple of plays to kind of move the ball, and it’s just a full-court, pass-rush mentality,” said Campbell, via ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “I think I was just trying to get pressure on him, hit him, make him uncomfortable and make him throw an interception. And I think that was just a good football play. I hate to see him get hurt. That’s the worst part of this game. You never want to see guys get hurt. I hope he’s OK.”
Campbell’s hit on Jones will be a lingering talking point, but it won’t change the situations for either team.
Campbell and the Ravens move on with a 2-1 record and a showdown with the Buffalo Bills on tap for Week 4, while the 1-2 Patriots head to Lambeau Field to meet Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers with Brian Hoyer likely starting at quarterback.
