Saints coach Dennis Allen shamelessly denied that Nathan Shepherd had malicious intent in dirty hit on Justin Herbert

The Los Angeles Chargers were particularly fired up aft Sunday’s Week 8 triumph against nan Saints, and for bully reason:

They witnessed 1 of nan dirtier plays we’ll spot each season. Yet, Saints caput coach Dennis Allen someway saw thing incorrect astir it.

In nan 2nd 4th of nan Chargers’ 26-8 win, Saints protect tackle Nathan Shepherd was called for a individual foul aft he grabbed clasp of Justin Herbert’s correct limb and twisted it good aft nan walk was thrown. Center Bradley Bozeman saw what happened and went barreling astatine Shepherd successful Herbert’s defense. Bozeman was besides called for a individual foul punishment and called retired Shepherd successful nan postgame interviews.

Hey @NFL and @NFLOfficiating if you do not suspend Nathan Shepherd for this play I do not want to perceive anymore astir really subordinate information is your number 1 priority. pic.twitter.com/ivx9bOYvmj

— Eric (@EVrsalovich) October 28, 2024

On Monday, Allen was asked for his thoughts connected nan arguable deed and really went retired of his measurement to take sides Shepherd for an indefensible play. He said via NBC Sports:

“I deliberation it’s not accurate. Here’s a feline that’s trying to wrap nan backmost up. He’s connected nan ground, he has nary thought whether nan backmost has nan shot aliases not. He’s conscionable trying to bring nan backmost down to nan ground, truthful location was thing malicious astir that play. It’s a feline that’s trying to make nan play. I went backmost and looked astatine that play again aft seeing nan comments and I don’t work together pinch that.”

The point is, though, that Shepherd’s deed would person been a punishment moreover if Herbert had nan shot because defenders can’t spell debased connected quarterbacks. So, Allen’s defense didn’t make overmuch sense, and it’s reliable to judge that Shepherd was unaware of what he was doing arsenic he twisted Herbert’s leg.

Thankfully, nan Chargers backmost was good to enactment successful nan game. We’ll person to spot if nan convention agency takes immoderate action against Shepherd for nan soiled play.