Tom Brady explains why he has ‘mixed emotions’ after seeing Azeez Al-Shaair’s brutal hit on Trevor Lawrence

Tom Brady wonders if offensive scheming is protecting quarterbacks enough

Tom Brady joins Colin Cowherd to dive into Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair’s illegal hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence left the game and Al-Shaair was suspended for three games.

Houston Texans captain Azeez Al-Shaair getting a three-game suspension has been a massive storyline coming out of the NFL’s Week 13 slate following his hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who was attempting to slide.

Legendary quarterback and current Fox broadcaster Tom Brady gave his take on the matter during an appearance on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” during which he admitted having “mixed emotions” about the hit that led to a massive skirmish and Al-Shaair’s immediate ejection.

Lawrence was ruled out the remainder of the game for a concussion after his head whipped onto the grass.

“I’ll start by saying there’s mixed emotions I have about it as well,” Brady said. “I remember in 2001, I think we played at Buffalo and I slid late. Nate Clements was the corner for the Bills, and he came up out of the secondary and absolutely crushed me. My helmet went flying off. I got back and ran into the huddle, and I had a lot of teammates that came up to me the next day and said, ‘Dude, these guys are coming. You got to get rid of that football. And if you’re gonna slide, you better get down. These guys are coming to get you.’

“It was a great kind of learning experience for me because I realized, when I’m out of that pocket, things are moving a lot faster for me. The defense is trying to be aggressive, and over time, the NFL has obviously done a lot of things to protect players — players’ health and safety and on, and on, and on.”

One of the main rules is hits to the head and neck area, which the NFL has cracked down on in recent seasons. Also, hitting the quarterback while he slides is something defenses need to be wary of each week.

TEXANS’ NICK CASERIO RIPS NFL OVER ‘UNFAIR’ TREATMENT OF AZEEZ AL-SHAAIR AFTER CONTROVERSIAL HIT, SUSPENION

In the case of Al-Shaair, the NFL deemed him in the wrong for making his hit on Lawrence, saying in his suspension reasoning that he could’ve altered his hit in the moment.

Though Brady has been on the receiving end of such hits, he questioned if the way the NFL has evolved, in this case with quarterbacks running more often than ever in the history of the game, that the offense can’t go without blame here.

“The only aspect that I think is very challenging, and certainly for Trevor Lawrence, nobody wants to see somebody get hurt,” Brady said. “But it is also the reality of a very physical sport that we play. Defensive players have to be aggressive — that’s their nature. I try to be aggressive on offense, we try to block aggressively. And at the same time, the defense tries to tackle aggressively.



Dec 1, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA;Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (0) is held back by Houston Texans linebacker Henry To’oTo’o (39) after being ejected against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter  at EverBank Stadium. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

“There’s an aspect for me that I think the quarterbacks need to take better care of themselves. I see Josh Allen run it a lot, I see Lamar Jackson run it a lot, and it’s a great skill set to have. A lot of times, I wish I had that skill set. When you run, you put yourself in a lot of danger. When you do that, I don’t think the onus of protecting an offensive quarterback who’s running should be on a defensive player. I don’t think that’s really fair to a defense.”

Brady said he doesn’t like the label “dirty player,” which has been used by fans against Al-Shaair, especially considering the league pointed to his past transgressions on the football field as reason for the three-game dock.

“I don’t like that one bit,” Brady said about the dirty player label. “Maybe they fine or penalize a quarterback for sliding late. They say, ‘Look, if we don’t want these hits to take place, we’ve gotta penalize the offense and the defense rather than just penalize the defensive player for every single play for a hit that happens on a quarterback.’”

Brady knows that game speed in the NFL can be lightning quick with decision-making needing to be made fast in order to execute plays on both sides

Done Deal: Just In Detroit Lions Officially Welcome Another Top Experienced Star To Squad….

The Detroit Lions have bolstered their defensive depth by signing defensive back Jamal Adams to their practice squad. The move comes as the Lions continue to look for versatile options to strengthen their secondary heading into the latter part of the NFL season. Adams, a former first-round draft pick and an established name in professional football, brings a wealth of experience and athleticism to Detroit’s roster.

Adams has enjoyed a successful career in the NFL, known for his hard-hitting style of play and ability to impact games in various ways. Primarily a safety, he has also demonstrated proficiency as a hybrid defender, excelling in coverage, run defense, and as a pass rusher. His versatility allows coaches to deploy him in multiple roles, a quality that aligns with the Lions’ defensive philosophy under head coach Dan Campbell.

While currently signed to the practice squad, Adams could potentially be elevated to the active roster depending on team needs and his performance during practices. Injuries in the Lions’ secondary have highlighted the necessity of having reliable depth, and Adams’ presence provides a veteran option who can adapt quickly to Detroit’s defensive schemes.

For Adams, this signing represents an opportunity to rejuvenate his career after facing setbacks due to injuries in recent seasons. Despite his challenges, his natural talent and leadership qualities have never been in question. Joining a Lions team that is in the thick of a playoff race could be the perfect environment for him to make a meaningful impact.

The Lions’ defense has been a key component of the team’s success this year, with notable performances from their front seven and an improving secondary. Adding a player of Adams’ caliber to the mix could help solidify their unit as they aim to make a deep postseason run. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt opposing offenses could complement Detroit’s aggressive defensive style.

Fans will undoubtedly be excited to see how Adams integrates with the Lions. While he will start on the practice squad, the possibility of seeing him in game action adds intrigue to Detroit’s remaining schedule. If Adams proves he still has the explosiveness and playmaking ability that made him a standout in the league, he could become a valuable asset for the Lions during their playoff push.

The Lions’ decision to sign Adams reflects their commitment to leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of success this season. By adding an experienced and motivated player like Adams to their roster, Detroit signals its intent to build a resilient and adaptable team capable of contending at the highest level.

Detroit Lions
Jamal Adams

Good News: Just In Dan Morgan Officially Announce The Signing Of Three Top Super Talented Stars To Squad.

Dan Morgan, the team’s general manager, has officially revealed the signing of three highly talented athletes to their roster. The newly added players include outside linebacker Thomas Incoom, running back Emani Bailey, and tight end Dominique Dafney. These signings are seen as a major boost to the team’s lineup, bringing a wealth of potential and skill to key positions.

Thomas Incoom, a standout outside linebacker, is widely recognized for his exceptional athleticism and versatility on the field. Known for his explosive speed and ability to disrupt opposing offenses, Incoom is expected to make an immediate impact on the defensive side of the ball. His experience in high-level competition and his tenacious playing style make him a valuable asset to the team’s defensive schemes. His addition is particularly important as the team seeks to bolster its pass rush and overall defensive capabilities. Incoom’s combination of quickness, power, and football IQ has earned him significant attention, and his signing will help strengthen the team’s edge-rushing unit.

Emani Bailey, a dynamic running back, brings speed, agility, and playmaking ability to the squad. Known for his quick cuts and ability to accelerate through holes in the offensive line, Bailey is a versatile player who can make plays both in the running game and in the passing game. His balance and vision make him a threat to break off big runs, while his receiving ability out of the backfield adds another layer of depth to the offense. Bailey’s signing will give the team an additional weapon in its backfield, one capable of providing a spark and making a difference in high-pressure situations. His explosive nature and ability to gain yards after contact will help keep opposing defenses on their toes, making him an exciting addition to the squad.

Dominique Dafney, a tight end with great physical tools and athleticism, is another key acquisition. A player who excels as both a blocker and a pass catcher, Dafney has shown the ability to stretch the field and create mismatches with defenders. His size and speed allow him to be a reliable target in the passing game, while his blocking skills provide additional support in both the running game and the team’s pass protection schemes. With his unique skill set, Dafney adds flexibility to the offense, allowing the coaching staff to be more creative with their game plans. His capacity to contribute in both the passing and running games makes him an essential addition, capable of being a pivotal figure in both short and long-yardage situations.

These three signings are part of a strategic effort by Dan Morgan and the coaching staff to build a well-rounded team that can compete at the highest level. The team has been focused on strengthening key areas, and the addition of Incoom, Bailey, and Dafney represents a clear commitment to improving both the offense and the defense. By signing these players, the team not only improves in terms of individual talent but also gains more depth across several positions.

Incoom’s ability to disrupt plays on the defensive line and rush the quarterback will complement the team’s existing defensive players and help them pressure opposing offenses. His pass-rushing skills will also help alleviate some of the burden on the team’s defensive backs, creating opportunities for turnovers and sacks. Additionally, Incoom’s leadership on the field will provide a stabilizing force for a defense that is looking to make significant strides in the coming season.

Bailey’s signing adds a new dimension to the backfield, offering a fresh and dynamic option to the team’s running game. His explosive nature and playmaking ability will give the team a legitimate threat in the ground game, helping to diversify their offensive attack. Additionally, Bailey’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield gives the coaching staff more options for creative play designs, making the offense harder to predict and defend against. His addition will likely force defenses to adapt, creating more opportunities for other players to make plays.

Meanwhile, Dafney’s versatility at the tight end position will allow the team to be more unpredictable in both the passing and running games. As a dual-threat tight end, he has the potential to contribute in key moments, both blocking for the running back and catching passes down the field. His ability to make key catches in critical situations will provide the offense with another reliable weapon, and his blocking will help the running game thrive. The versatility that Dafney brings to the offense will likely play a key role in the team’s offensive success.

Overall, these signings represent a strong move toward building a well-rounded team capable of competing for championships. The team has made it clear that they are serious about improving in every aspect of the game, and the additions of Incoom, Bailey, and Dafney bring a wealth of talent, experience, and promise to their respective positions. With these new players in the fold, the team is in an excellent position to take the next step toward success in the upcoming season.