Saints defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd took a cheap shot at Justin Herbert, and Chargers center Bradley Bozeman wasn’t having it.
As Los Angeles drove midway through the second quarter during Sunday’s 26-8 win against New Orleans, Herbert threw a screen pass to running back JK Dobbins. As Herbert released the ball, Shepherd dove low at Herbert and wrapped his right ankle. He continued to hold Herbert’s lower leg long after Herbert released the ball, then twisted his knee and dragged him to the ground.
Once Herbert was on the ground, Shepherd rolled over and continued to twist Herbert’s knee. It was a dirty move that could have easily ended Herbert’s season. Fortunately, Herbert seemed to avoid injury and stayed in the game.
Bozeman was heated and immediately came to his quarterback’s defense. He dove on top of Shepherd to knock him off Herbert. He then looked ready to impose a punishment himself before Herbert helped an official drag him away from Shepherd.
After everything was done, the referees threw a few penalty flags. Shepherd was flagged for unnecessary roughness for the cheap shot on Herbert. Bozeman was cited for unnecessary roughness in protecting its quarterback – a compensatory punishment that doesn’t seem entirely fair.
Shepherd recklessly and unnecessarily endangered Herbert’s health. Bozeman did what was necessary to protect its quarterback from Shepherd.
According to the officials’ enforcement of the rules, all of these violations are the same in the eyes of the NFL.
