Joe Burrow gives Shemar Stewart the best possible response after accidental practice hit
Words of encouragement from QB1.
The No. 1 rule for a defense in training camp, or just practice in general, is to never make contact with the quarterback. Any injury suffered by a team’s starting QB has the potential to end a season before it starts. Any injury caused by his own teammates provides a literal insult to it all.
The Cincinnati Bengals almost dealt with this situation during Wednesday’s practice when rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart tripped and fell into Joe Burrow right after Burrow delivered a pass downfield. Burrow went to the ground but got up, unharmed.
Crisis averted, but there was a lesson to be learned for Stewart. The 21-year-old only started practicing with his new team just a few weeks ago, and while inexperience is no excuse here, how leadership handles such situations is indicative of how the locker room handles any and all troubles.
Burrow himself is a pillar of leadership, and he seemed to handle Stewart’s mishap as best as he possibly could.
Joe Burrow forgives and challenges Shemar Stewart
Stewart addressed the incident with reporters Friday afternoon, detailing a conversation with Burrow the day of the hit. Burrow’s response contained forgiveness with a challenge to boot.
“It’s OK … as long as you do it on Sundays.”
Translation: You’re fine now, but make sure you treat the opposing quarterbacks the same.
Exactly what the Bengals need from him.
Stewart is in the process of catching up to his teammates, and with that comes a mistake here and there. While this is something that can’t be repeated, it’s good to know he’s in an environment that doesn’t simply diminish him for his errors, but challenges him to do better when it counts.
Burrow isn’t always the most vocal leader, but his words carry more weight than anyone else in the locker room. This is what Stewart needed to hear to avoid finding himself in the same situation and to attack full force when he’s called to do so.
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