Los Angeles Chargers Center Bradley Bozman Defends QB Justin Herbert After Dangerous Hit

Los Angeles Chargers center Bradley Bozeman stuck up for his quarterback Justin Herbert during last Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints after a brazen hit from Saints defensive tackle Nathan Shepard.

After Herbert released the ball to running back J.K. Dobbins, Shepard grabbed onto his lower leg, twisted his ankle, and then flung the quarterback down awkwardly to the ground. Seeing what transpired, Bozeman launched himself onto Shepard, and the referee plus Herbert needed to pry him off the opposing player after the late and unnecessary hit from the defensive lineman. No flag was thrown on the play, but NFL media believes a massive fine or suspension could be handed to Shepard.

Bozeman spoke after the game about sticking up for his quarterback.

“It was probably one of the dirtier plays I’ve ever seen … You protect your quarterback no matter what. And I think [if] any of our offensive linemen [were] in my position [they] would’ve done the same thing.”

Herbert also addressed the play and how grateful he was to have teammates stick up for him.

“That’s the type of center you want on your team. He’ll give everything for this team, and I appreciated what he did. I tried to pull him off so he didn’t get any penalties called. But to have a guy like that defending you, there’s no better feeling.”

Finally, first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh also commented on the play, enjoying what he saw from Bozeman and handing him a game ball.

“Everybody knows Justin’s got a bad ankle … I don’t blame [Bozeman],” he said. “I don’t encourage it at all, but I don’t blame him.”

The Chargers started the season slowly but are now in the thick of the playoff race, with a 4-3 record and a winnable game against the Cleveland Browns this weekend.