Wild: Saints’ head coach Dennis Allen actually defended Nathan Shepherd’s dirty tackle on Justin Herbert

Nathan Shepherd is a scumbag. When it comes to the NFL, we expect tough, gritty football. But there’s a difference between hard-nosed play and flat-out dirty tactics. That line got crossed in the Chargers vs. Saints matchup, and Nathan Shepherd was right in the middle of it.

Let’s break down the moment that has everyone talking. After Justin Herbert had already released the ball, Nathan Shepherd grabbed the Chargers QB’s leg and twisted it. It wasn’t just late; it was reckless and unnecessary.

What was Nathan Shepherd trying to accomplish, other than injuring an opponent?

Saints’ Nathan Shepherd’s ‘tackle’ on Justin Herbert

Hey @NFL and @NFLOfficiating if you do not suspend Nathan Shepherd for this play I do not want to hear anymore about how player safety is your number one priority. pic.twitter.com/ivx9bOYvmj

— Eric (@EVrsalovich) October 28, 2024

To make matters worse, Saints head coach Dennis Allen tried to play it off, claiming, “There was nothing malicious about that play.”

Dennis Allen on the accusations that Nathan Shepherd tried to Injure Justin Herbert: "Here's a guy that's trying to wrap the quarterback up. He's on the ground, he has no idea if the quarterback has the ball or not. … There was nothing malicious about that play."

— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) October 28, 2024

Really? It’s hard to take that seriously when you’re watching a defender go full WWE on a quarterback’s ankle. It’s the same old story with the Saints—they’re still living in the shadow of Bountygate, and plays like this do nothing to shake that reputation.

I’m not shocked by any of it. I was in New Orleans and watched what the Saints did to DeVonta Smith and Darius Slay. Both plays were dirty and all things considered, no one was really penalized for it.

NO FLAG?? Targeting? Saints just tried to murder Devonta Smith pic.twitter.com/mzC5Z396h3

— Gavin McHugh (@gavinmchughh) September 22, 2024

Scumbag: Saints’ DL Payton Turner spits on DeVonta Smith after blatant targeting penalty

Back to the Chargers, center Bradley Bozeman didn’t hold back his thoughts, calling Shepherd’s move “one of the dirtiest plays I’ve ever seen.”

He’s not wrong. This wasn’t just a questionable play—it was a clear, calculated cheap shot. And Bozeman did what any good lineman would do: he stepped up and defended his QB, drawing a penalty on Shepherd in the process. But he shouldn’t have to be in that situation.

And let’s not pretend this is just about one dirty hit. The NFL has made strides in player safety, from concussion protocols to QB protection rules. But all that effort means nothing if plays like this are brushed off without real consequences. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio hit the nail on the head: “If the league cares, [Shepherd] will be suspended today.”

If the NFL is serious about cleaning up the game, they’ve got to act. Anything less than a suspension sends a dangerous message: that this kind of behavior is just part of the game.

Well, it’s not. And the Saints, of all teams, should know better. Allen defending this kind of play only makes it worse. It’s like he’s encouraging the same kind of recklessness that got the Saints into hot water in the first place.

This isn’t just about the quarterbacks; it’s about every player on the field. The league owes it to its players to enforce rules that protect them from blatant cheap shots. As the NFL decides how to handle Shepherd’s actions, it’s clear they’ve got a choice: either step up and send a message, or risk more players getting hurt.

The Saints’ defense has to do better, and the league needs to hold them accountable. The competitive fire is great—but not when it puts player safety on the back burner. Time for the NFL to draw a hard line.

Join The Chase