New York Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood isn’t taking any blame for his controversial hit that knocked New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye out of the game with a concussion.
The linebacker reaffirmed that he was not trying to injure the signal-caller.
Maye was scrambling for extra yards and attempting to slide when Sherwood came down and made the play. The linebacker hit the quarterback in the head, but he did not receive a penalty.
“If it was helmet to helmet, the ref would have called it for one. He just scrambled the pocket,” Sherwood said, per A to Z Sports’ Sophie Weller. “At the end of the day, I’m trying to get to the ball and him as a runner, he just has to do a better job of protecting himself just like I’m trying to do a good job of protecting myself and him as well.
“I feel like in that moment, I did a great job by going over top of him. My shoulder pad might have hit him in the head, but that’s not intentional. …Like I said, I knew in my heart what I tried to do and that’s keeping him healthy. I pray he’s healthy.”
Maye’s progress this week will be worth monitoring.
The Patriots offense has received a spark from his presence over the last three games. A trip to Tennessee to face the Titans will be the next challenge, as the team looks to put together a winning streak.
