Former Colts HC doesn’t buy DeMeco Ryans’ retort against Jaguars’ riot after Trevor Lawrence hit

The Jacksonville Jaguars' disastrous 2-9 season took an even darker turn on Sunday after quarterback Trevor Lawrence was knocked out of a game due to a hit from Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. Lawrence slid but still took a direct shot to the head and eventually would be ruled out for the rest of the game.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans called the ensuing bench-clearing skirmish an overreaction.

"We don't have to overreact just because I think a guy gets hurt. We're not intentionally trying to hurt anyone."

Former Colts interim head coach Jeff Saturday tore the play and Ryans' response apart.

"This is a freaking dirty play. Should have never happened. He's leading with this both his elbows to go hit that dude. He's in a full slide. It's four yards. This wasn't one of those quick ones, y'all."

"DeMeco has got to stand up for his guy. I get it. If that happened on his sideline to C.J. Stroud and all his dudes didn't do exactly what the Jaguars did and more, he would be questioning the heart in his own locker room."

Lawrence suffered a concussion due to the hit, and his status for the rest of the season is up in the air.

Azeez Al-Shaair gets called out by NFL VP of Football Operations

Al-Shaair reportedly has had a pattern of vicious play. It has caught the attention of NFL VP of Football Operations Jon Runyan, who called out the Texans defender in a letter, per Adam Schefter.

"Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football and all those who play, coach, and enjoy watching it, is troubling and does not reflect the core values of the NFL…Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules puts the health and safety of both you and your opponents in jeopardy and will not be tolerated."

Al-Shaair will be suspended three games as a result of the hit on Lawrence. This means Al-Shaair has played his final game of the 2024 calendar year. He's eligible to return Jan. 5 in Week 18 against the Tennessee Titans.