Everyone Is Now Blaming Patrick Mahomes For Azeez Al-Shaair’s Dirty Hit That Knocked Trevor Lawrence Unconscious
Patrick Mahomes and Trevor Lawrence (Photos via Getty Images and FOX)
It’s been a few days since Trevor Lawrence received a dirty shot from Houston Texans linebacker Azee Al-Shaair. It was a hit we rarely see anymore in the NFL, with the league’s firm stance on protecting the quarterback, but some fans have blamed Patrick Mahomes.
It first started when Tom Brady joined Colin Cowherd to discuss the hit. Throughout the discussion, Brady hinted that Lawrence deserved some blame for the hit.
“If we don’t want these hits to take place, we’ve got to penalize both the offense and the defense,” Brady said about quarterbacks sliding too late.
However, many fans think that Mahomes, who has mastered the art of the fake slide or pretending to go out of bounds before picking up a few extra yards, is to blame, and that’s why defenders feel the need to still go in for the big hit.
There Are Multiple Instances Of Patrick Mahomes Doing This
These aren’t necessarily baseless claims that people are throwing around about Mahomes.
One recently viral video shows Mahomes escaping the pocket against the Lions on a second-and-seven play. After about four yards, he seemingly lets up before running again for the first down.
Another video shows Mahomes pretending to run out of bounds at the 29-yard line against the 49ers before juking back inside and running it in for a touchdown.
It begs whether the league needs to step in and try to fix this problem, which is too big to ignore.
“Patrick Mahomes Faces Backlash for Azeez Al-Shaair’s Brutal Hit on Trevor Lawrence”
In a shocking turn of events, Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs’ star quarterback, is being blamed for a controversial play that left Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence unconscious. The hit, delivered by Tennessee Titans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, has sparked outrage across the NFL community, but the unexpected focus of criticism has landed squarely on Mahomes.
The incident occurred during a high-stakes divisional matchup, where Lawrence scrambled out of the pocket before being blindsided by Al-Shaair’s vicious hit. While Al-Shaair was immediately flagged for unnecessary roughness, it’s Mahomes who is facing the heat, with fans and analysts pointing to his role in escalating tensions between teams.
Critics argue that Mahomes’ influence as the league’s golden boy sets a tone for aggressive play across the league. A vocal group of fans claim that Mahomes’ outspoken competitiveness and fiery interactions during games encourage a culture of recklessness, culminating in hits like the one on Lawrence.
Social media erupted with opinions, as hashtags like #BlameMahomes and #ProtectTrevor trended nationwide. “Patrick Mahomes isn’t even on the same field, and somehow, his attitude leads to this dirty hit,” one user wrote. Another added, “Mahomes’ influence on the league is toxic, and players like Azeez feed off it.”
NFL analysts have weighed in on the controversy, with some defending Mahomes while others call for introspection. “This is a ridiculous scapegoat situation,” one commentator said. “Blaming Mahomes for Al-Shaair’s lack of discipline is a reach.” Others suggested that Mahomes’ rise to prominence has shifted the league’s dynamics, making quarterbacks like Lawrence bigger targets for defenses.
Trevor Lawrence’s condition remains a concern, with reports indicating he suffered a concussion and is under strict medical supervision. The Jaguars’ head coach expressed frustration, saying, “We need to do better in protecting our quarterbacks. This kind of hit has no place in football.”
As for Mahomes, the Chiefs’ star has stayed quiet on the issue, focusing instead on his own team’s preparations. However, his silence has only fueled speculation, with some interpreting it as an admission of guilt and others seeing it as a refusal to dignify the accusations.
Azeez Al-Shaair has since issued an apology, stating that the hit was unintentional and that he prays for Lawrence’s recovery. However, his apology has done little to calm the storm, as the narrative continues to center on Mahomes’ supposed indirect responsibility.
This incident highlights a broader discussion about player safety and the evolving culture of the NFL. As the league grapples with protecting its stars while maintaining the sport’s physical intensity, incidents like this expose the fine line players walk every game.
For Patrick Mahomes, the controversy underscores the double-edged sword of being the NFL’s face. While his talent and leadership are undeniable, the weight of being held responsible for the actions of others reflects the immense scrutiny that comes with his position. Whether fair or not, the blame game surrounding this hit shows no signs of slowing down.
