USA Today via Reuters
Sep 15, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) reacts after being hit by Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna (51) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports | Reuters
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 15, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) reacts after being hit by Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna (51) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports | Reuters
Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers lost a close-fought battle against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. The Niners improved to 5-4 for the season after the win at Levi’s Stadium. However, there were a few controversial referee calls during the game that have surely irked fans.
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Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert suffered a helmet-to-helmet collision in the game against the Niners on Sunday. Herbert didn’t sustain any concussion-related injuries. However, when referees ejected San Francisco’s linebacker Dre Greenlaw, fans from both sides were quick to respond.
Justin Herbert finished the game for the Chargers
The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year threw for 196 yards and 1 touchdown in the 22-16 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Herbert also had 1 interception in the ballgame. The Chargers were leading 13-10 with a minute left in the 2nd quarter when the controversial tackle happened.
Justin Herbert rushed for a 1st down on the Chargers’ 3rd and 6. The QB was first tackled by Niners’ safety Jimmie Ward. This didn’t stop Herbert, but it deviated him from his route and he ended up in a head-to-head collision with opposition linebacker Dre Greenlaw. LA Chargers supporters thought the tackle was too much.
Hit the ball not the head
— Rafi💫🌴 (@Rafii619) November 14, 2022
I don't know the letter of the rule, but the spirit of the rule indicates the penalty was indeed called for. It was a head shot against a player who was already immobilized (both knees down) so there was neither need nor excuse for the helmet to helmet hit.
— Paul Anderson (@PaulKevinAnders) November 14, 2022
Everyone saying soft like that was not clear helmet to helmet on someone who was already going dow. Greenlaw had no reason to make a tackle there, yet he tried, and went straight helmet to helmet
— . (@Leaked47) November 14, 2022
The referees reviewed the incident and called it a personal foul for unnecessary roughness because Justin’s knees had already touched the ground before the tackle from Greenlaw. The refs disqualified the 49ers LB from the game and Niners fans did not like it.
That's ridiculous, this is football, players are suppose to get tackled, this is not ballet.
— gk707 (@gklemen707) November 14, 2022
Anyone see the Chiefs-Jags game where Trevor Lawrence scrambled ending in his diving head first into Chiefs legs, upending him? QBs are allowed to dive/slide at the feet/legs of defenders w/o a penalty 🤔 That’s an issue.
— SeanMichael (@bboogieman) November 14, 2022
If Herbert doesn’t get dragged down at the last second then the hit is to chest and not the head. Greenlaw can’t change his directory that quick. I get the penalty cause it was helmet to helmet and they always penalize the defense even if the offense player starts going down.
— Martin Shaw (@MartinMaserati) November 14, 2022
League is getting a little soft Yes they are protecting QBs especially above the shoulder hits But Najee Harris took a shot like that yesterday and the zebras walked away Kazee got flagged for a perfectly legal hit on Olave There is no consistency from officials
— Alan F (@AlanFagan12) November 14, 2022
Greenlaw’s tackle was a direct helmet-to-helmet tackle and could have caused a concussion for Herbert. However, fans pointed out how the move was unintentional from the Niners’ LB and the refs went too far with the ejection call in favour of the LA Chargers.
Chargers QB Herbert says he was fine after contact
Justin Herbert left the field after the collision and fans assumed that the tackle hurt the Oregon QB. However, in the post-match press conference, Justin Herbert clarified that he left the field after the referee’s decision. Herbert was not sure who made the decision to bring him off since he felt fine after the tackle with Greenlaw.
Justin came back in the third quarter and finished the game for the Chargers. Fans thought the referees should reevaluate their calls and remove the disparity in decisions between the offense and defense. However, even with his first-half ejection, Dre Greenlaw led the Niners’ defense with 7 combined tackles and his absence understandably upset Niners fans.
Yeah great job NFL refs he should’ve dove and predicted that Herbert would get knocked forward!
— Hudson (@hmeyer_21) November 14, 2022
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Terrible ejection, ref’s should be ashamed of themselves
— Lance Loading, again 🙁 (@Treyszn49) November 14, 2022
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The LA Chargers are 5-4 and sit in second place in the AFC West division after losing to Jimmy Garoppolo‘s Niners offense. However, their biggest challenge lies in front of them. The Chargers face their divisional leaders Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday. Can Justin Herbert come out on top against the magic of Patrick Mahomes?
WATCH the STORY: Jackson Mahomes responds to Chiefs and brother Patrick Mahomes taking home a nail-biting win over hurt Justin Herbert Chargers
