Pederson defends Jaguars for melee vs. Texans after Ryans' criticism

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson was critical of Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans saying Jacksonville players "overreacted" to Trevor Lawrence's injury.

"I was a little surprised. I've got a ton of respect for DeMeco. He's a former player, I'm a former player. Emotions run high," Pederson said in a press conference Wednesday morning.

"I would say that if it happened to (C.J. Stroud), the reaction would've been the same, quite frankly."

Lawrence was sliding at the end of a play and was hit in the head by linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair during Sunday's contest against the Texans. An ensuing melee occurred, with several players coming to Lawrence's defense.

Ryans defended Al-Shaair postgame, shifting some of the blame to a late slide from Lawrence and noting that the Jaguars sideline acted irrationally.

"Azeez, he's the guy, but their sideline overreacts, and it turns into a melee," Ryans said. "It wasn't our guys, it's their team, overreacted and pushed our guy, dragging our guy to the sideline, so that's uncalled for on that side. We have to be better on the sidelines as well."

Both Al-Shaair and Jaguars defensive back Jarrian Jones were ejected from the matchup. Al-Shaair apologized in a statement Monday and received a three-game suspension from the NFL, which he will appeal.

"I stand behind our guys for the reaction. I think it's a natural reaction," Pederson said. "The team is going to respond."

Lawrence was ruled out with a concussion minutes after the play and remains in concussion protocol. Jacksonville's backup quarterback, Mac Jones, will likely be tapped to start against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Jones has thrown for 512 yards and two touchdowns against three picks in five appearances this season.