Trevor Lawrence's brutal hit by Azeez Al-Shaair leaves Tom Brady with mixed emotions.

Is offensive scheming sufficient to safeguard quarterbacks, wonders Tom Brady?

Trevor Lawrence's brutal hit by Azeez Al-Shaair leaves Tom Brady with mixed emotions.
Trevor Lawrence's brutal hit by Azeez Al-Shaair leaves Tom Brady with mixed emotions.

The three-game suspension of Houston Texans captain Azeez Al-Shaair after his hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence during a slide attempt in Week 13 of the NFL has been a major storyline.

During an interview on "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," Tom Brady admitted to having mixed emotions about the hit that caused a brawl and led to Al-Shaair's immediate removal.

Lawrence was ruled out for the rest of the game due to a concussion after his head collided with the grass.

Tom Brady walks on field
Tom Brady walks across the field before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on November 24, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

In 2001, I remember sliding late and getting crushed by Nate Clements while playing for the Bills. My helmet flew off and I got back to the huddle. The next day, my teammates advised me to get rid of the football and slide safely to avoid getting hurt.

"I had a great learning experience because I realized that when I'm not in my pocket, things move faster for me. The defense is becoming more aggressive, and over time, the NFL has taken steps to protect players' health and safety."

The NFL has intensified its crackdown on hits to the head and neck area in recent seasons. Defenses must exercise caution when targeting the quarterback while he slides.

The NFL deemed Al-Shaair responsible for his hit on Lawrence, stating that he could have changed his approach in the heat of the moment.

Brady questioned if the NFL's evolution, which involves quarterbacks running more frequently than ever before, is a factor in the offense's responsibility for the hits he has received.

"While it's challenging to see someone get hurt, it's the reality of a physical sport. Defensive players are naturally aggressive, and we try to be aggressive on offense. We also block aggressively, and the defense tries to tackle aggressively," Brady said.

Azeez Al-Shaair held back
Dec 1, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA;Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (0) is held back by Houston Texans linebacker Henry To'oTo'o (39) after being ejected against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter  at EverBank Stadium. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

"The quarterbacks need to prioritize their self-care, as I have observed Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson frequently utilizing their running skills. While this skill set is valuable, I often wish I possessed it. Running exposes quarterbacks to significant risks, and I believe it is the responsibility of the defense to protect them while they run."

Brady stated that he dislikes the label "dirty player," which has been directed at Al-Shaair by fans, despite the league citing his past football field misdeeds as the reason for the three-game suspension.

"Brady expressed dislike for the dirty player label, stating that maybe quarterbacks should be fined or penalized for sliding late instead of just the defensive player being penalized for every hit on a quarterback. He argued that offense and defense should be penalized for hits on a quarterback to prevent them from occurring."

In the NFL, game speed requires quick decision-making to execute plays on both sides of the ball.

Tom Brady, Azeez Al-Shaair and Trevor Lawrence
Tom Brady gave his take on the Azeez Al-Shaair hit on Trevor Lawrence and the subsequent suspension. (IMAGN)

On Sunday afternoon in Duval County, Al-Shaair's decision to drive full speed into Lawrence's sliding will keep him out of action until Week 17.

Subscribe to the Planet Chronicle Sports Huddle newsletter and follow our sports coverage on X.

by Scott Thompson

sports

Reports suggest that John Spytek is expected to be hired as the new GM by the raiders.

Reports suggest that John Spytek is expected to be hired as the new GM by the raiders.

sports
Ben Shelton criticizes Australian Open interviewers for their treatment of players.

Ben Shelton criticizes Australian Open interviewers for their treatment of players.

sports
Ohio State's national championship victory left ESPN broadcaster in tears, and he explains the reason behind it.

Ohio State's national championship victory left ESPN broadcaster in tears, and he explains the reason behind it.

sports
Josh McDaniels is reportedly reuniting with the Patriots as Mike Vrabel's offensive coordinator.

Josh McDaniels is reportedly reuniting with the Patriots as Mike Vrabel's offensive coordinator.

sports
Hall of Fame voter reconsiders ex-MLB star's candidacy: "I didn't get credit for what I did"

Hall of Fame voter reconsiders ex-MLB star's candidacy: "I didn't get credit for what I did"

sports
Ravens player calls out Chiefs: "We must stop them from continuing their wrongdoing"

Ravens player calls out Chiefs: "We must stop them from continuing their wrongdoing"

sports
Blackburn predicts an increase in Democratic support for legislation safeguarding female athletes from transgender competitors.

Blackburn predicts an increase in Democratic support for legislation safeguarding female athletes from transgender competitors.

sports
Ichiro Suzuki falls short of unanimous Hall of Fame status, sparking outrage on social media: "Moronic"

Ichiro Suzuki falls short of unanimous Hall of Fame status, sparking outrage on social media: "Moronic"

sports
NFL analyst Chris Simms believes Lamar Jackson's pass to Mark Andrews during a two-point try was not precise.

NFL analyst Chris Simms believes Lamar Jackson's pass to Mark Andrews during a two-point try was not precise.

sports