Another week, another controversy. The Trevor Lawrence incident appears to have happened once again, but this time with a different QB. Those who missed the Broncos-Chargers game in Week 15 actually missed a lot. The game was a see-saw, and the Broncos went from leading by 21 points to losing by 13 points. On top of all this throughout the game, one event was identified as the game’s turning point.
Yes, you guessed it right: Justin Strnad attempted to tackle quarterback Justin Herbert. Live viewers would recognize that this scenario was almost identical to the Trevor Lawrence and Azeez Al-Shaair incident. The QB made a slide on which he almost got himself injured. The LB was trying to stop him and it led to a drive-resuscitating flag.
The LB explained his frustration on the incident and claimed that Justin Herbert is a big quarterback, and Strnad was on his way to tackle him during the run. But, at the last moment, the Chargers’ quarterback ducked and slid in, taking a crushing hit. While everyone is blaming Strnad, the man believes it is a reflex.
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Broncos LB Justin Strnad was visibly and understandably upset answering questions about his late-hit call on Justin Herbert. #9sports pic.twitter.com/EnHQsc1fDg
— Scotty Gange (@Scotty_G6) December 20, 2024
The Linebacker stated, “I think I barely hit him. I mean, he’s a huge quarterback. I’m getting ready to tackle him. He slides last second I don’t know what else I’m supposed to do.” If the LB’s point of view is considered, it is possible that he is not much to be blamed for. It was previously claimed too during the Trevor Lawrence incident that football is a quick reflex game in which anything can happen. And when you are accused of a reflex, it is understandable that you may become angry with the trolls and blame them.
The same thing happened in the Trevor Lawrence case, which prompted Al-Shaair to issue a public apology. And it is now occurring to Justin Strnad. However, the Broncos are dealing with more than just this right now. The team’s defense is also being questioned following the loss to the Chargers.
Why could the Broncos’ defense save the game following the similar Trevor Lawrence incident?
This is the question that everyone is currently thinking about. The Broncos enjoyed a 21-point lead at one point in the game before losing all momentum. The Strnad-Herbert incident happened and subsequent touchdowns resulted in the Chargers standing tall at the finish. Sean Payton, the team’s head coach, was also observed suggesting that it was not a good decision.
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The HC was seen repeatedly giving the same remark, “It wasn’t good.”And Payton’s emotions are pretty understandable. The Broncos not only lost a single game but also risked the chances of their qualifications. While the team is being trolled for the loss, on the other hand, the Chargers, particularly Justin Herbert, are receiving a lot of praise.
By narrowly doing the slide and thankfully not injuring himself like Trevor Lawrence, Justin Herbert has been outstanding on the field in this game. The man had exceptional throws, and end zones were consistently turned into touchdowns. Even his teammates, P.J. Locke, have shown excessive admiration for the quarterback.
P.J. Locke said, “He has a cannon. I mean, he can make every throw. It doesn’t matter. He can run a deep out to the field, and the ball’s on the opposite hash, run a deep out to the field, can get that throw there.”
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So that was it for the contentious sparks this week. Tell us what your thoughts are on this situation. And do you believe the NFL should do something about these slide incidents, which, following Trevor Lawrence, could pose a significant risk to any QB?
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Is the NFL's protection of quarterbacks going too far, impacting the integrity of the game?
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Is the NFL's protection of quarterbacks going too far, impacting the integrity of the game?
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