Justice was not served at SoFi Stadium.
The Los Angeles Chargers were big winners against the New Orleans Saints in Week 8.
Rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey had his breakout game for the Bolts, scoring two touchdowns in the 26-8 win.
Despite McConkey’s performance, the most-discussed moment of the game involved an offensive lineman.
With the Chargers leading 3-2 in the second quarter, Saints defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd got to Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.
Under pressure, Herbert dumped the ball off to J.K. Dobbins, but Shepherd continued to tackle Herbert.
Wrapped around Herbert’s legs, Shepherd rolled over the Bolts quarterback – who is lucky to have avoided injury.
Witnessing the event a few feet away from Chargers offensive lineman Bradley Bozeman, and it is fair to say he was unimpressed.
Bradley Bozeman the enforcer pic.twitter.com/2ybL6tK9YL
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) October 27, 2024
Bozeman pushed Shepherd off Herbert in a very physical manner, clearly annoyed with what he had seen.
After the game, Bozeman described Shepherd’s actions as “one of the dirtier plays I’ve ever seen”.
NFL rules analyst Mike Pereira said during the broadcast that Shepherd’s actions were “vicious”.
Dobbins – who caught the pass on the play – picked up a first down for LA before the flags were thrown.
Both Shepherd and Bozeman were flagged for unnecessary roughness, which cancelled out the play.
Does that sound fair? Because it does not to me.
#Chargers C Bradley Bozeman on Saints DL Nathan Shepherd’s hit on QB Justin Herbert, “it was probably one of the dirtier plays I’ve ever seen.”
Bozeman added, “Protect your quarterback no matter what.” pic.twitter.com/YJbbOEDcRX
— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) October 28, 2024
Obviously, O-linemen cannot go around tackling defenders after the play is finished every time their quarterback is touched.
However, in incidents like this one, Bozeman’s only crime was his willingness to try and protect his quarterback.
The officials should have realised that in the moment. Or worst-case scenario, someone in New York should have informed the officials.
Either way, the result of this incident feels unjust. I am not sure you will find many neutral fans – or even Saints fans – who would suggest otherwise.
