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Jacksonville, Fla. — The head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Doug Pederson, expressed no concerns regarding his team’s reaction to the illegal hit that sidelined quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who is now on injured reserve.
Pederson remarked he was somewhat taken aback by Houston’s coach, DeMeco Ryans, as he attributed blame to the Jaguars’ sideline for escalating the altercation. He also noted confusion over comments made by some former players questioning the adequacy of the team’s response.
“I’m not sure what that refers to,” Pederson stated in a press conference. “We aren’t here to injure anyone or jeopardize careers. Our goal is to secure a victory in accordance with the rules. That’s our focus, that’s the philosophy we maintain. If there’s an implication that we need to retaliate, we won’t do that. Period. My coaching approach does not entertain that notion. We’ll simply focus on our roles and strive to compete hard, rapidly, and within the bounds of the game.”
Bucky Brooks, a former Jaguars cornerback now serving as the team’s sideline reporter, commented on the team’s reaction, describing it as a “collective shrug” in a post on X.
“Most teams would have sought some sort of vengeance to prevent a similar incident from reoccurring,” Brooks stated. “Now, every competitor knows they can take shots without worrying about repercussions.”
In contrast, former Jaguars defensive lineman Austen Lane criticized the notion that players did not respond more aggressively due to concerns over ejection or fines. He argued that whether teams are in playoff contention or struggling, there are squads with pride that would seek to defend their teammates.
“The bottom line is, when one of your own is taken down in that manner, you can bet some teams in the NFL would stand up and address that,” Lane shared during his daily segment on Action Sports Jax.
Following the hit on Lawrence, which resulted in his second concussion within a year, Houston linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was suspended for three games due to multiple safety rule violations.
Al-Shaair struck Lawrence with his forearm and helmet as the quarterback went into a slide, delivering an unsportsmanlike blow that left Lawrence in the “fencing position,” a typical reaction from someone experiencing a brain injury. He was motionless for several minutes as chaos ensured around him. Currently, Lawrence is in the NFL’s concussion protocol and has been placed on injured reserve, likely concluding his season.
Running back Travis Etienne reassured Lawrence, “You have a daughter on the way and a family to think about. Take care of yourself, and we’ll keep things afloat until your return next year.”
Teammates were quick to confront Al-Shaair near the sidelines, with tight ends Evan Engram and Brenton Strange leading the response. Rookie cornerback Jarrian Jones was ejected for throwing a punch during the scuffle.
“I would be lying if I said I didn’t take action,” Jones acknowledged during a session with reporters, awaiting potential fines from the league office. “What I regret the most is getting ejected and not being there for my teammates. But that moment? That’s my brother. I’d do that for anyone on the roster.”
The Jaguars, holding a record of 2-10, were behind 6-3 at halftime and trailed 23-6 before attempting a late-game comeback that ultimately failed. Defensive end Josh Hines-Allen articulated that the best tribute to Lawrence would have been securing a win.
“We didn’t do enough,” he reflected. “We lost the game. That’s the reality.”
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