The biggest story coming out of the Houston Texans’ 23-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday was not the Texans’ actually scoring points in the second half. It wasn’t Joe Mixon’s record setting performance (first player in over 50 years with six straight 100 yard games and a TD on the road). It wasn’t even Laremy Tunsil with a clean penalty sheet.
Nope, the biggest topic coming out of the Texans win was this Azeez Al-Shaair late hit on Jaguars starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence, a hit that left Lawrence concussed and triggered multiple brawls over a ten minute period in between snaps. If you missed it, here you go:
By the letter of the law in 2024, this is a dirty play. I am not saying that Azeez Al-Shaair is a dirty player, but this play was a dirty play. Even if you want to take up for Al-Shaair by saying that he didn’t have time to change his plans on hitting Lawrence because Lawrence decided to slide so late, that extra hit with Al-Shaair’s left forearm (which is covered in a metal brace) to Lawrence’s head is tough to defend in a court of public opinion (or court of possible NFL discipline).
For his part, Al-Shaair posted a lengthy explanation, apology, and general “screw you” to some media folks out there, on his Instagram stories on Monday morning:
If you’ve met or spoken with Al-Shaair, which I have, he comes across as someone for whom the above apology would be considered sincere. He is considerate with the media, he is well liked in the building over at NRG Stadium, and he is a respected teammate and captain. However, ultimately the apology and all of the positive impressions he’s made will likely not matter. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, a suspension is likely for Al-Shaair coming out the upcoming bye week:
Indeed, when it comes to Al-Shaair, the league is likely looking at various prior instances of unhinged, dangerous play than any sort of apology or attempt to use the inherent violence of football as a shield from discipline:
It looks like the Texans will come out of the bye week already shorthanded against the Miami Dolphins, and perhaps even the Chiefs and Ravens. The return of injured linebacker Christian Harris would be ideal right about now. He’s missed the entire season with a calf injury, but rumor has it, he could return soon.
The Texans soap opera of 2024 rolls on.
Listen to Sean Pendergast on SportsRadio 610 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. weekdays. Also, follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/SeanTPendergast, on Instagram at instagram.com/sean.pendergast, and like him on Facebook at facebook.com/SeanTPendergast.
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024.
