Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has addressed the controversial hit by linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair on Trevor Lawrence, which led to Lawrence being shaken up and Al-Shaair’s ejection during their recent game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In a press conference, Ryans defended Al-Shaair, pointing to the complexity of judging hits on sliding quarterbacks in today’s NFL.

Ryans’ Statement

Ryans explained the difficulty defenders face when quarterbacks slide late, creating scenarios where defenders may unintentionally make contact. He said:
“It’s twofold. A lot of quarterbacks in this day and age, they try to take advantage of the rule where they slide late and try to get an extra yard. A lot of onus is on the defender. You don’t know what a guy’s thinking—if he’s staying up, continuing to run, or sliding late. And then you get a late slide, and you hit the guy.”

While Ryans did not outright condone the hit, his comments appeared to defend Al-Shaair’s actions, emphasizing the challenges defenders face in such split-second situations.

What Happened in the Hit?

The hit in question occurred when Trevor Lawrence scrambled for a first down and began to slide near the sideline. Al-Shaair made contact with Lawrence in the head and neck area, leading to a penalty for unnecessary roughness and an ejection. Critics called the hit “reckless,” but Ryans suggested it was more a result of an unclear situation than intentional malice.

Fan and Analyst Reactions

The incident and Ryans’ comments have sparked debate among fans and analysts:

• Support for Ryans and Al-Shaair: Many agree that defenders are placed in a difficult position when quarterbacks slide late.
  • “Ryans is right—how can defenders be expected to react in time to these late slides?”
  • “Azeez is a physical player, but that hit wasn’t dirty. It’s a split-second decision.”
• Criticism of the Hit: Others feel the defender should bear full responsibility for ensuring player safety, especially when targeting sliding quarterbacks.
  • “Protecting quarterbacks is a priority, and that hit was dangerous—no excuses.”
  • “Late slide or not, Al-Shaair needs to control himself.”

The NFL’s Stance on Late Hits

The league has placed significant emphasis on protecting quarterbacks, making hits on sliding players a focal point of its player safety rules. Critics argue that defenders are unfairly penalized in situations where the quarterback initiates a late slide, while others believe defenders must err on the side of caution to avoid penalties and injuries.

Trevor Lawrence’s Reaction

Trevor Lawrence, who was able to finish the game, commented briefly on the hit, saying:
“It’s football—things happen. I’m fine and focused on the next game.”

What’s Next for Al-Shaair and the Texans?

The NFL is reviewing the hit, and Al-Shaair could face additional discipline, such as a fine. The Texans will need to ensure they balance aggressive play with adherence to league rules as they prepare for the remainder of the season.

Conclusion

DeMeco Ryans’ comments reflect the challenges defenders face in navigating the NFL’s evolving rules around quarterback safety. While his defense of Azeez Al-Shaair highlights the complexities of such situations, the controversy underscores the need for clarity and caution in split-second decisions on the field.

Stay tuned for updates on the NFL’s review of the incident and any potential consequences for Al-Shaair.