Posted on Nov 03
Nathan Shepherd fined for unnecessary roughness, Saints coach defends the play
u/alex •
Saints DT Nathan Shepherd fined for unnecessary roughness against Chargers
Why it matters: The NFL has penalized Saints defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd with an $11,817 fine for his actions against Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. This incident has sparked controversy and debate among players and coaches.
What's new: During the game between the Saints and Chargers, Shepherd appeared to twist Herbert's right ankle while attempting to bring him down. Both Shepherd and Chargers center Bradley Bozeman were penalized for unnecessary roughness.
Yes, but: While Shepherd was fined for his actions, Bozeman defended Shepherd and was not fined himself. Bozeman stated that he was trying to protect Herbert and believed there was nothing malicious about Shepherd's play.
What to watch: The response from the Saints organization and the league regarding the incident and the subsequent fine. It will be interesting to see if there are any further repercussions or disciplinary actions taken.
The bottom line: The fine imposed on Shepherd highlights the NFL's commitment to player safety and enforcing penalties for actions deemed unnecessary roughness. However, differing opinions among players and coaches demonstrate the subjective nature of such incidents and the challenges in determining intent.
Dennis Allen's perspective: Saints coach Dennis Allen supported Shepherd and stated that there was nothing malicious about the play. He emphasized that Shepherd was merely trying to bring the quarterback down and had no knowledge of whether Herbert still had the ball.
Justin Herbert's response: Herbert expressed appreciation for Bozeman's actions and defended him, stating that Bozeman would give everything for the team. He acknowledged the importance of having a teammate who defends and protects him on the field.
Our thought bubble: The incident raises questions about the fine line between aggressive play and unnecessary roughness in football. Determining intent in real-time situations can be challenging, and the league's response serves as a reminder of their commitment to player safety.
What's next: The Saints, currently on a six-game losing streak, will face the Carolina Panthers in their next game. They will aim to regroup and find success despite the distractions surrounding Shepherd's fine.
By the numbers: Shepherd's $11,817 fine may seem relatively small compared to the salaries of NFL players, but it serves as a reminder that actions on the field can have financial consequences.
The big picture: This incident is part of a broader ongoing conversation about player safety and the balance between physicality and protecting players from unnecessary harm. It adds to the ongoing narrative surrounding the enforcement of rules and penalties in the NFL.
Zoom In: The controversy surrounding Shepherd's actions highlights the intense scrutiny players face during games and the potential ramifications of their on-field decisions.
Zoom Out: The incident involving Shepherd and Herbert is just one example of the many incidents and controversies that arise in the NFL each season, highlighting the complexities of the sport and the challenges faced by players, coaches, and the league in maintaining fairness and safety.