Controversial Hit on Trevor Lawrence Sparks Debate in the NFL
The late hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence during Monday’s game against the Houston Texans has ignited widespread debate, with many questioning the actions of Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and the response from both teams’ sideline.
In the Monday night clash between the Jaguars and Texans, Lawrence was attempting to scramble for a first down when he slid to avoid a hit. Just as he gave himself up, he was met with a brutal, late hit from Al-Shaair, which resulted in a possible concussion for the star quarterback. The hit sparked immediate chaos on the field, with Lawrence’s teammates rushing to his defense and confronting Al-Shaair.
The incident has since drawn heavy criticism, with many labeling the hit as dirty. Al-Shaair, known for his aggressive playstyle, was accused of using underhanded tactics in what many felt was a cheap shot. NFL fans and former players voiced their outrage, expressing concerns over the safety of players in light of the violent nature of the hit.
However, Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans, a former defender himself, came to the defense of his player. Ryans argued that being a defender in today’s NFL is increasingly difficult, particularly when quarterbacks use late slides to gain extra yards. In an effort to explain Al-Shaair’s actions, Ryans stated that the defender was simply trying to make a play within the rules of the game, although he acknowledged the unfortunate injury to Lawrence.
Ryans also took issue with the Jaguars’ response to the hit, calling it an “overreaction” that led to a brawl on the sideline. According to Ryans, it was the Jaguars’ players who escalated the situation by pushing and dragging Al-Shaair toward their sideline.
The comments from Ryans have sparked a variety of reactions across the NFL community. Former NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I hate that Trevor got hurt and would argue that the forearm shiver whether he could pull off or not by Azeez seemed excessive but I would also say that when Demeco Ryans talks, I listen.” While Fitzpatrick stopped short of directly agreeing or disagreeing with Ryans, he expressed trust in the head coach’s judgment due to his experience both as a former player and coach.
Public reactions have been divided. Some believe the hit was a result of the difficult circumstances defenders face, with quarterbacks often sliding late to gain an advantage. Others, however, felt that the hit was indefensible, particularly due to the manner in which Al-Shaair used his elbow during the collision.
Ryans, for his part, continued to defend Al-Shaair, explaining that the hit was not malicious and that it was a “two-sided issue.” He suggested that the increasing frequency of quarterbacks taking advantage of the rules surrounding sliding late has made it harder for defenders to make clean tackles without risking penalties or injury.
As the debate rages on, the focus now shifts to Lawrence’s recovery and the potential disciplinary action against Al-Shaair. While the Texans’ linebacker may have the support of his head coach, the hit’s impact on the Jaguars quarterback and the ensuing chaos on the field will likely remain a talking point for weeks to come.
