Category: 2024 NFL season

Texans HC DeMeco Ryans defends LB Azeez Al-Shaair amid NFL investigation

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans flipped the script on Azeez’s Al-Shaair’s hit against Trevor Lawrence on Monday after further review.

The NFL is investigating Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair’s recent hit against Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence for a potential suspension.

The league is in its right to review the tackle. DeMeco Ryans is in his right to stick up for the veteran linebacker.

Ryans defended the Texans’ captain during his press conference Monday, stating that while the hit on the quarterback was unfortunate, it’s also two-fold because of the slide.

“A lot of the quarterbacks, they try and take advantage of the rule, where they slide late and try to get an extra yard,” Ryans said. “A lot of onus is on the defender. Whether it’s on the sideline or whether it’s on the quarterback, you don’t know what a guy is thinking. You don’t know if a guy is staying up. And then you get a late slide and hit the guy.

“It’s unfortunate Trevor got hurt. I hope Trevor is OK, but also, if we’re sliding, we have to get down,” Ryans said. “If we’re getting out of bounds, get out of bounds, and that rule is there to protect the quarterback.”

Lawrence, who returned after missing two games with a shoulder injury, tried to pick up a first down on a second-and-7 play with just over four minutes remaining in the first half.

As he began to slide, Al-Shaair left his feet and extended his forearm to make a tackle that appeared to knock the quarterback unconscious.

Since the incident, Al-Shaair has publically apologized to Lawrence on social media, stating that he didn’t know the quarterback was going down as it was a “split-second decision.”

Lawrence immediately left the game on a cart and was ruled out with a head injury.

While the hit caused controversy on social media, it also led to retaliation from Jaguars’ players. Jaguars tight end Evan Engram shoved Al-Shaair, thus leading to a brawl on Jacksonville’s sidelines.

“Azeez hits the guy, but their sideline overreacts, and it turns into a melee,” Ryans said. “It wasn’t our guys. Their team overreacted. Pushed our guy, dragging our guy to the sideline. That’s uncalled for on that side. We have to be better on the sideline as well.”

After tensions cooled, Al-Shaair was ejected for the hit. Jaguars rookie cornerback Jarrian Jones for throwing a punch during the altercation.

Ryans, who rushed onto the field to pull off Al-Shaair and personally calm him down, reiterated that while the hit was unfortunate, it was not a clear representation of Al-Shaair’s character.

“Azeez is a great person, an exceptional leader for us,” Ryans said. “He plays the game the right way. His intent is never to hurt anyone.

“For any picture that is painted that Azeez is a dirty player or doing something intentional, that is the exact opposite of Azeez.”

The Texans are off this week, so a suspension likely won’t come until next week’s matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Ryans said the league should take a look at all sides before making a call.

“We’re not intentionally trying to hurt anyone,” Ryans said. “I think there is an overreaction when someone gets hurt, but we just have to look at it all from all perspectives.”

Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair releases statement after hit on Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence

Azeez Al-Shaair offered an apology following the hit made on Trevor Lawrence during Sunday’s matchup against the Jaguars.

The Houston Texans did not make linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair available to speak with reporters following Sunday’s hit that appeared to knock out Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Still, the veteran wanted to clear the air.

Al-Shaair took to social media to apologize to Lawrence for the hit and later actions that led to his ejection during the second quarter, stating everything happened” in the blink of an eye.”

“To Trevor, i genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening,” Al-Shaair’s statement reads. “Before the game, we spoke and I told you how it was great to see you back out on the field and wished you well. I would never want to see any player hurt because of a hit I put on them, especially one that’s deemed ‘late’ or ‘unnecessary.’”

Lawrence, who has just returned to the starting lineup after missing two games due to a shoulder injury, began to slide after picking up six yards. As he initiated the slide, Al-Shaair dove forward and delivered a forearm to the head.

Lawrence was able to get up under his own power but was taken off the field on a cart and ruled out with a head injury. He now will go through the league’s concussion protocol.

Multiple Jaguars players, including tight end Evan Engram and offensive lineman Brandon Scherff, came to Lawrence’s defense after the hit and following Al-Shaair’s ejection. Al-Shaair said in the post he understood why players came to their quarterback’s defender following the play.

“I can definitely understand you having his back and defending him in a situation like that,” Al-Shaair wrote.

While countless people commented on the hit, several people on social media came after Al-Shaair’s personal life. A practicing Muslim, the sixth-year linebacker was criticized support for his support for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund as part of the NFL’s “My Cause, My Cleats” initiative.

“To the rest of the people who I’ve been called every single name in the book from reporters with their hands ready for a story to find their villain, to racist and Islamophobic fans and people, you don’t know my heart nor my character which I don’t need to prove to any of you,” Al-Shaair wrote. “God knows my intentions and anyone who has ever been a teammate or friend of mine knows my heart.”

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Al-Shaair could be facing a suspension in the coming weeks following the hit. This isn’t the first time he’s been involved in a controversial play since signing a three-year deal with the Texans in the offseason.

Houston (8-5) enters its bye week before returning to take on the Miami Dolphins at home in Week 15.

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence provides update following Texans game

Trevor Lawrence has responded since leaving Sunday’s game due to the hit by Azeez Al-Shaair.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence seems to be fine after leaving Sunday’s 23-20 loss against the Houston Texans in the second quarter.

Lawrence, who was knocked out by Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair after trying to slide for a first down, tweeted late Sunday evening that he was fine after being carted off.

After the hit, a brawl ensued between Texans and Jaguars players. Tight end Evan Engram shoved Al-Shaair to the grass and the two sides went back and forth toward the Jaguars’ sideline.

The fight got so bad that Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans had to come on the field to grab Al-Shaair and try to calm the sixth-year veteran.

That’s not what we’re coaching,” Ryans said postgame. “We want to be smart in everything we do and not hurt the team, (not) get a penalty there. We just have to be smarter when the quarterback is going down.”

Al-Shaair was ejected for his role in the incident. The fighting didn’t stop there since the linebacker continued to jaw back at Jaguars players while being escorted off the field. He ripped off his helmet and tried to go after offensive lineman Brandon Scherff but was restrained by several teammates.

Al-Shaair also exchanged words with Jaguars fans after linebacker Will Anderson Jr. was hit in the helmet by a water bottle.

“Azeez is a smart player, a really great leader for us,” Ryans said. “We felt his presence not being there. His loss, it really affected us on the defensive side.”

This isn’t Al-Shaair’s first time getting into an altercation with an opposing player. During Week 2’s win over the Chicago Bears, he punched running back Roschon Johnson on the sidelines.

This came after he had a questionable hit on quarterback Caleb Williams when Williams was sprinting toward the sideline.

Al-Shaair was also at the center of a play that led to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen having to leave for a series after hitting his head on the turf, though the All-Pro pass was already going down before Al-Shaair made contact.

“My prayers go to Trevor and I really hope and pray he’s OK,” Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “Praying to his family as well. Still rocking with Azeez. I don’t think that was his intent.”

Lawrence finished the game 4-of-10 passing for 41 yards and an interception before leaving. Mac Jones closed out the final two quarters and threw for 235 yards and two touchdowns.

The Texans will be on a bye next week before taking on the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 15.

Texans defend LB Azeez Al-Shaair after ‘dirty hit’ on Jagaurs QB Trevor Lawrence

Multiple Houston Texans players voice their thoughts on Azeez Al-Shaair’s hit against Trevor Lawrence.

In a game that seemed to be droll entering halftime, one play woke up fans across the NFL world just behind halftime.

The Houston Texans secured a 23-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday afternoon, but it was a footnote in the scuffle that occurred between the two sidelines because of a hit.

Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair drilled Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence late as he had given himself up on a slide while trying to pick up the first down. With Lawrence sliding feet first, Al-Shaair dove at him and delivered a blow with his forearm to the head.

While Lawrence appeared to be knocked unconscious, Jaguars tight end Evan Engram shoved Al-Shaair to the ground in retaliation. Multiple other players from either side got involved as the swarm carried over toward Jacksonville’s.

Things got so far out of control that Texans coach DeMeco Ryans came across the field to grab Al-Shaair himself to try and calm down the veteran defender. Lawrence, who returned Sunday for the first time since Week 9, was carted off and ruled out with a head injury.

“That’s not what we’re coaching,” Ryans told reporters postgame. “We want to be smart in everything we do and not hurt the team, (not) get a penalty there. We just have to be smarter when the quarterback is going down.”

Al-Shaair, along with Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones, were ejected from the game because of their role in the aftermath. Even after the decision was final, Al-Shaair continued jawing with Jaguars players as he headed to the locker room.

Eventually, linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, defensive end Will Anderson Jr. and running back Joe Mixon made sure the situation didn’t continue.

“Just an unfortunate play, not representative of who Azeez is,” Ryans said. “Azeez is a smart player, a really great leader for us. We felt his presence not being there, his loss, it really affected us on the defensive side.”

To’oTo’o told reporters that Jacksonville players were trying to defend their quarterback, so they had to go to bat for their linebacker. Quarterback C.J. Stroud voiced his support for Al-Shaair and offered condolences to Lawrence for a speedy recovery.

“I’m still rocking with Azeez,” Stroud said. “I don’t think that was his intent. I pray that Trevor is OK and that his family is right there with him.”

Houston won’t know if Al-Shaair will be suspended until after the bye week, but Ryans said the team would address the linebacker personally about the incident and “move forward from it.”

“It’s not what we’re coaching,” Ryans said. “Didn’t want to see the melee and all the aftermath, that’s not what we’re about, not representative of us.”

Was Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair’s hit dirty? Several NFL players weigh in

Michael Strahan, Ryan Clark and several other former players weigh in on Azeez Al-Shaair’s hit against Jags quarterback Trevor Lawrence

The Houston Texans won 23-20 on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but that was a footnote in the biggest takeaway from the afternoon at EverBank Stadium.

Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was ejected just before halftime after delivering what appeared to be a late hit against quarterback Trevor Lawrence. A fight broke out following the play while Lawrence lay sprawled out on the grass knocked out.

Al-Shaair will likely receive a fine and a potential suspension from the league office later this week. Even if he attempted to slow down, the hit seemed to be avoidable before the sixth-year linebacker ever left his feet.

But was the hit dirty? That’s the question everyone is trying to figure out entering the bye week as Houston heads home. Some fans think that because he led with his elbow, it shouldn’t lead to a suspension. Others think that despite being a member of the team, it’s a bad look.

Of course, several other former players voiced their opinions of the play on social media. Most believed the indecent was avoidable and didn’t agree with the decision.

Former Texans cornerback Steven Nelson called the play “crash-out behavior.” Former Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 overall pick Robert Griffin III called the play “dirty” from Al-Shaair.

Former NFL quarterback and Baylor Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III, called it a dirty play by Al-Shaair.

During the halftime broadcast, former Super Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan called the play “inexcusable” but mentioned his antics likely were to get him thrown out of the game to avoid further problems.

“I personally think he did that because he realized if he had stayed in that game, he was not going to be protected,” Strahan said. “What he did, everybody knows as a defensive player you don’t do that.”

ESPN analyst and former Super Bowl safety Ryan Clark called the hit “bull” and without question avoidable.

While Al-Shaair doesn’t have many on his side, defensive tackle and teammate Tim Settle defended the captain’s actions, stating that he’s not a dirty player and it was a bang-bang play.

“I don’t think his intentions were towards to hurt [Lawrence]. He was just trying to get us off the field. He was trying to get our offense back on the field,” Settle told reporters postgame. “We praise how he plays, but we know he’s not intentional like that.”

The Texans enter the bye week with an 8-5 record. Al-Shaair and the team will return to the field on Dec. 15 to take on the Miami Dolphins.

Ladd McConkey continues rookie season tear in win over Falcons

Ladd McConkey’s rookie tear only continued on Sunday with a standout performance in the 17-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

Ladd McConkey’s rookie tear only continued on Sunday with a standout performance in the 17-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

The former Georgia wide receiver had already crossed the century mark by halftime, tallying 105 yards on eight receptions. He had been targeted by quarterback Justin Herbert nine times.

Before McConkey went down with a knee injury in the final minute of the game and was considered questionable to return. But before he was sidelined, he had amassed 9 receptions for 117 yards. He averaged 13 yards per reception.

He reached a season-high in receptions and recorded his third 100-yard game, with this one joining the 31-27 win over the Cincinnati Bengals (123 yards) and the 26-8 win over the New Orleans Saints (111 yards).

Practically the entire Chargers passing game on Sunday rode on McConkey’s performance as Herbert finished out the game 16-for-23 passing with 147 yards through the air.

In the last three weeks alone, McConkey has targeted 27 times, catching 21 passes for 323 yards. He now totals 815 receiving yards and is well on pace to reach 1,000 yards as the Chargers head down the home stretch of the season.

To have accomplished what he did Sunday was particularly special as he returned to Georgia in an on-field capacity for the first time since his college career in Athens.

“We lost last week, and we wanted to get that taste out of our mouths. So it was good to come in here and get done and get rolling on the back half of the season,” he said.

McConkey has been playing through injury for weeks now, but it hasn’t hindered his game. And the fact he’s performing at the level he is with that just makes him that much more impressive.

He was asked about those hindrances but seemed optimistic about the future on that front.

“We’ll regroup tomorrow. Get back out there and get right next week. It’s cool coming back home, cool experience. Just so proud of my guys.”

McConkey headed into Sunday’s game with 698 receiving yards, the second among all rookie pass-catchers and behind only former teammate Brock Bowers. He has put together a long list of accomplishments already, adding to that Sunday as his 105 receiving yards were the most ever by a Chargers rookie in the first half, going back to 1991.

Keenan Allen held the record before with 104 receiving yards against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013.

Ironically, McConkey and the Chargers will hit the road once more to face the Chiefs up next on the schedule. Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. in Arrowhead Stadium.

Quick facts from the Commanders’ Week 13 win over the Titans

We look at some quick and numbers from the Commanders’ Week 13 win.

The Commanders scored 21 first-quarter points and were on their way to their 42-19 victory over the Tennessee Titans at Northwest Stadium.

Here are some of the quick facts from the 8th win of the Commanders’ season:

  • The Commanders possessed the ball today 40:13, more than double that of the Titans, who had it only 19:47.
  • The 42 points scored by the Commanders was the fifth time this season they scored 30+ points. The last time that occurred was the 9-7, 2015 season, quarterbacked by Kirk Cousins.
  • Washington ran the ball 45 times, while the Titans ran it 11 times. No typo; the Commanders outrushed the Titans 267-35.
  • Speaking of rushing, Brian Robinson finished with 103 yards on 16 carries. Not far behind, Chris Rodriguez ran 13 times for 94 yards.
  • This is the third time the Commanders scored 40+ points this season; the last time that occurred was the 1991 season (four times) on their way to a 14-2 season and Super Bowl XXVI win.
  • Jayden Daniels completed 25 of 30 passing attempts (83 percent) for 206 yards (6.9 yards per attempt).
  • The Commanders accomplished 29 first downs today, holding the Titans to a mere 12, had the advantage in total plays 77-50, and out-gained the Titans 463-245.
  • With his eighth sack of the season today, Frankie Luvu now has his new career high.
  • The Commanders’ eighth win of this 2024 season doubles the four wins of the 2023 team. The eighth win of the season also ties the best season Ron Rivera had (2022, 8-8-1) in all four of his seasons.
  • In the final quarter, Jayden Daniels passed to Zach Ertz for a 4-yard TD. It was the 50th career touchdown reception.
  • When the Commanders expanded the lead to 28-0, the Titans had run a total of 13 offensive plays at that point. At this point, the Titans had four offensive possessions ending with two punts and two fumbles in their own territory. On the other side, the Commanders’ first four possessions ended in four touchdowns.
  • Today, Bobby Wagner reached 100+ tackles for the 13th straight season. The only other player to accomplish this feat was London Fletcher, who reached 100+ tackles in 14 consecutive seasons.

Instant analysis: Texans score two late touchdown to secure victory over Jaguars

The Houston Texans move to 8-5 on the regular season after securing a win on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

C.J. Stroud’s 22-yard touchdown pass to Dalton Schultz in the fourth quarter was the difference between another loss against an inferior opponent in the AFC South and a victory before the bye.

Joe Mixon’s last run was the icing on the cake.

The Houston Texans avoided a scare at EverBank Stadium as they advanced to 8-5 in a 23-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

With the loss, the Jaguars have officially been eliminated from playoff contention.

The victory for Houston marked its second win in five weeks, entering Week 14’s bye. It also helped the AFC South leaders improve to 4-1 in the division, which could help them clinch the title when they return in Week 15.

Tempers flared just before halftime when linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair knocked out Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence as he tried to slide for a first down.

Tight end Evan Engram and several teammates attacked Al-Shaair, whose potential cheap shot could result in a suspension. Both benches cleared as a brawl ensued on the field for several minutes.

Lawrence, who missed the past two games due to a shoulder injury, was carted off and evaluated for a head injury. Al-Shaair, along with Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones, were both ejected for their roles in the fight after the hit.

Mac Jones replaced Lawrence and made things interesting in the fourth quarter down three scores. He threw for 235 yards and two touchdown passes and rallied the team back to come within three.

Stroud, who struggled in last week’s loss to the Titans with a pair of interceptions, completed 22 of 34 passes for 242 yards. Eleven pass attempts went to Nico Collins, who finished with a team-high 115 yards on eight catches.

Mixon’s 101-yard rushing performance marks the third time a running back has rushed for at least 100 yards  and a touchdown in six road games during the same season. He joins Tiki Barber of the New York Giants (2004) and Derrick Henry of Tennessee (2020) to accomplish the feat.

The breakout running back averaged 5.1 yards on 20 carries and scored on a 7-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

Injuries

Texans safety Jimmie Ward was evaluated for a concussion but cleared to return. Schultz also injured his right shoulder in the third but returned for the fourth to secure what would be the game-winning touchdown.

What’s next?

The Texans get a much-needed bye week when they return home. After that, they’ll play three games against potential AFC playoff contenders in a 15-day span beginning on Dec. 15 at NRG Stadium against the Miami Dolphins.

Dalton Schultz injury update: Texans TE returns, scores TD vs. Jaguars

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz left during the third quarter of Week 13’s game with a shoulder injury.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

The Houston Texans are looking to secure their seventh consecutive road win over the Jacksonville Jaguars entering the fourth quarter, but the offense could be missing a signature player.

Tight end Dalton Schultz left during the third quarter with a shoulder injury and could be out for the rest of the game, depending on further evaluation. The Texans need a win to secure a 4-1 record in conference play before next week’s bye.

Here’s the latest on the Texans’ veteran tight end.

Dalton Schultz injury update

During the third quarter, Schultz suffered a shoulder injury when he hurdled a defender trying to pick up a first down. He remained down on the ground for a moment and was slow to get up before heading to the sidelines.

The Texans listed the tight end as questionable to return, though he managed to be healthy enough to come back in for the fourth quarter. He hauled in a 22-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud for his first scoring opportunity of the regular season.

Losing him for an extensive period of time would have been a concern because the Texans are short of tight ends.

Following the scoring drive, Schultz has caught five passes for 61 yards.

Texans TE depth chart

If Schultz were to miss the rest of the game, Houston would be limited to rookie Cade Stover and former Alabama star Irv Smith Jr. Stover has mostly seen action as the team’s H-back or in 12-personnel this season after being drafted out of Ohio State last April.

Watch: Texans RB Joe Mixon continues Pro Bowl season with TD vs. Jaguars

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon is unstoppable against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at EverBank Stadium.

Don’t look now, but the Houston Texans have scored a second-half offensive touchdown.

While not a notable achievement for many, Joe Mixon’s 7-yard touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars was just the second touchdown in the second half since Week 6 for Houston’s offense.

Houston’s drive spanned five plays and 70 yards. Mixon ran on back-to-back plays to finish the possession in the end zone. He gained 37 yards on the two carries. Before the drive, Mixon had nine carries for 22 yards.

Mixon’s score is his 11th touchdown of the season, marking a career-best since his Pro Bowl season in 2021 with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Houston opened the drive with three consecutive passes, picking up a pair of double-digit gains from Nico Collins and Dalton Schultz.

Both of the pass catchers were shaken up after their receptions.

With a win, the Texans will improve to 4-1 in the AFC South enter next week’s bye.