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Playing quarterback in the NFL is a dangerous job, even considering the rule changes made to protect quarterbacks over the past few years. Defenses coached by people like Former NFL head coach and defensive coordinator Rex Ryan that feature frequent blitzes is one of the reasons why it’s a perilous position.
Of course, those blitzes have nothing to do with the vicious hit that Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was on the receiving end of on Sunday. That dirty hit by Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has been a big topic of discussion, and Rex Ryan thinks quarterbacks simply need to stop sliding feet-first.
In case you missed it, here’s the hit that got Al-Shaair ejected, forced Trevor Lawrence to leave the game, and started a brawl.
It is now anticipated that Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair will be suspended for the hit that he delivered Sunday to Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence. The only question is for how long. pic.twitter.com/P8phFecS02
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 2, 2024
That’s a vicious hit. Azeez Al-Shaair will be suspended, though it does seem like Trevor Lawrence will be okay. But, Rex Ryan thinks that quarterbacks need to stop putting themselves at risk by sliding feet-first, and has a pretty good argument. Take a listen.
Rex Ryan: "I am so sick and tired of seeing people teach, 'Hey, slide. When you're running out here, you slide.' To hell you do. Not when you're going full speed down the field and the defender's coming full speed at you… they should be taught to dive at the ankles of the… pic.twitter.com/JUiJI3k7mF
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 2, 2024
I’ve certainly heard worse ideas. The former Jets and Bills head coach thinks that quarterbacks are less likely to get hurt sliding head-first. It’s counter-intuitive, but it is true that defensive players will have to be a bit more defensive if someone is diving at their legs.
Let’s see if any quarterbacks heed his advice.