As everyone knows by now, Azeez Al-Shaair, a linebacker for the Texans, floored Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence with a nasty hit on Sunday.
Lawrence spotted Al-Shaair closing quickly, so he started running and slid close to the first down marker in an effort to convert a second-and-seven situation near midfield. When a quarterback slides, the NFL knows that he is given up. If you are not touched, do not get up and run.
Al-Shaair appeared to have broken that rule, and the game would not tolerate it if he had. However, it’s a little difficult to tell because of how quickly the game moves and how late Lawrence chose to slip. The slow-motion breakdown we keep seeing isn’t telling the whole story, so forget about it.
When the quarterback is going down, you have to be more astute. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans described the team’s escape from Jacksonville with a necessary 23–20 victory as unfortunate play. Not a true reflection of Azeez. He is an excellent leader for us and a clever player.
It’s likely the overwhelming opinion of those of us who have spoken with Al-Shaair and cover the Texans.
Fantastic man. Excellent player. carries out tasks correctly. He’s no dirty player.
Naturally, all of that was forgotten on Sunday as the Jaguars players rushed to the defense of their quarterback, who was lying on the field in a lifeless position. Al-Shaair was first confronted and pushed to the ground by tight end Evan Engram.
Al-Shaair soon found himself surrounded by a sea of aqua-blue shirts. Both the Jaguars and the referees who sent Al-Shaair off the field in the second quarter thought it was a nasty hit.
Due to a head injury, Lawrence was also out for the day.
Engram explained his initial reaction by saying, “I mean, I saw him sliding and then I saw the hit.” To be honest, it simply took over. It was a dirty play, and I knew it was wrong. And you defend your men; that’s the way it is.
Respect and understanding are definitely required.
