In an unexpected development, the New York Jets decided not to play receiver Allen Lazard in their recent Friday match against the Miami Dolphins, despite him signing a big four-year contract. This choice, made by head coach Robert Saleh, became a hot topic of conversation.
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This situation led to an intense discussion on their podcast “Nightcap.” Hosts Shannon and Chad engaged in a spirited exchange over this issue, especially when Shannon highlighted Lazard’s disappointing performance. “Allen Lazard, do you realize that he was a healthy scratch today?”
Chad, in disbelief, challenged the notion that Saleh would single out Lazard while the rest of the team also underperformed. “Woah, woah, woah, if Robert Saleh says that’s what he’s going to say, ‘His play isn’t up to standards, well, neither is other mother fu*i* ten on the goddamn field.”
.@ShannonSharpe and @ochocinco get HEATED over Robert Saleh listing Allen Lazard as a healthy scratch vs. the Dolphins ‼️ pic.twitter.com/VUns5yHxV1
— Nightcap (@NightcapShow_) November 25, 2023
Chad remarked, highlighting the collective struggles of the Jets. Shannon, emphasizing the reported reasons for Lazard’s scratch, faced skepticism from Chad, who questioned the credibility of the reports. Shannon asked him, “First of all, you owe me an apology.” Chad, smiling in a subtle way, said, “Oh, okay, I’m sorry.”
The debate reached a climax with Chad’s bold proclamation, acknowledging the team’s overall shortcomings, and Shannon demanding an apology for the heated exchange.
Why Didn’t Allen Lazard Play?
Saleh’s rationale was clear: Lazard wasn’t performing up to the expected standard. Saleh expressed post-game: “it’s kind of a challenge to see if he can recapture the edge and who he is and the person that we have a lot of faith in. He’s a good football player. I do believe that. For Allen, he will be back sooner rather than later.”.”
Saleh clarified, “Edge is probably the wrong word. He hasn’t been playing up to his standard. Everyone is pressing on that side of the ball to make something happen.”
Robert Saleh on the benching of Allen Lazard:
“He’s gonna be here for the next year-and-a-half.”
Lazard signed a 4-year, $44M deal with $22M guaranteed meaning the #Jets can cut ties with Lazard after next season. Saleh basically just confirmed that Lazard is gone after next… pic.twitter.com/T8SAQWJOVA
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) November 25, 2023
These comments hold significant weight, especially considering the team’s overall performance and their tailored build for star Aaron Rodgers, who has barely seen the field this season.
The situation with Allen Lazard and the Jets is more than just about one player’s performance; it’s a reflection of a team at a crossroads, grappling with high expectations and the reality of their current standing. The heated discussions on platforms like “Nightcap” only mirror the passionate sentiments of fans and analysts alike, all eagerly watching how this story unfolds.