Agent: Moore knew he was OK after big hit
NFLPA is looking at whether concussion protocols were met.
Matt Moore’s agent said Tuesday he’s confident concussion protocol was followed when his client was quickly cleared to return to the Dolphins’ wild-card loss at Pittsburgh.
The NFL Players Association announced late Monday that it was initiating an investigation after Moore sat out only one play after his chin absorbed a hard hit from the crown of the helmet of Steelers linebacker Bud Dupree.
“I know it was tough to watch,” Lynn Lashbrook, Moore’s agent, told The Post on Tuesday afternoon. “I talked to Matt this morning. He’s very comfortable with the protocol he went through. He took his time to get up. He’s been through concussions before. But he knew he could play and he demonstrated that.”
A l t h o u g h L a s h b r o o k believes policy was followed, he said he has no problem with the NFLPA t aking a closer look to be certain.
“It’s healthy to review protocol,” Lashbrook said. “I think that’s all that is. I’m confident in Matt and the Dolphins.”
Moore was leveled in the second quarter of the 30-12 loss in Pittsburgh. He’d rolled right to escape the rush but was hit upon releasing a pass. Dupree was penalized for roughing the passer and likely will learn of a fine from the league later this week.
The speed with which concussion protocol was followed surprised many, including CBS’ broadcasters, who wondered how medical personnel could be certain Moore was OK in such a short span.
Moore lay on the ground as he was tended to by five personnel. It took 80 seconds before he sat up on the field. He was seen on camera 2:45 after impact being questioned on the sideline and had his helmet back in his hands 3:40 after impact. Then, after 4:25 of real time following the hit, Moore took his next snap.
Lashbrook said his first thought was “concussion protocol” as he watched.
“Moore is returning after just one play away,” CBS’ play-by-play man Jim Nantz said on the broadcast. “I never would have guessed it.”
Sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson said Moore initially was holding his lower back while tended to on the field. She was told Moore did not lose consciousness and “they said he hit him in the jaw and so they did a quick evaluation and cleared him to go back in, Jim.”
The NFL’s concussion protocol includes placing an unaffiliated neuro-trauma consultant on the sideline to monitor players suspected of a concussion. Spotters are positioned in the booth overhead to alert game officials if they suspect a player is in distress. Game officials also have the authority to send players off for examination.
The NFLPA has reviewed the implementation of concussion protocol before. In this season’s opener, Carolina quarterback Cam Newton was rocked by Denver safety Darian Stewart but remained in the game. The NFL and NFLPA agreed Newton was appropriately evaluated and did not suffer a concussion.
The NFL and NFLPA said referee Ed Hochuli was correct in ordering an evaluation of Buffalo quarterback Tyrod Taylor on Sept. 15 against the Jets. Taylor was cleared to return.
Dolphins Hall of Famer Larry Csonka tweeted that Moore was “one tough SOB” while several Twitter users posted memes mocking what they termed the “doctor” who cleared Moore. Rams running back Todd Gurley was among several writing RIP to Moore.
The hit was jarring enough that Moore later said he wondered if he’d lost any teeth.
“It’s probably the hardest hit he’s ever taken,” Lashbrook said.
Lashbrook added, “He’s sore. Wouldn’t you be sore? You’d still be in bed. I have a lot of clients and he’s a tough kid. ... If there’s such a thing as being very proud of your client and the courage he has, he’s pretty special.”
Moore, who had done a good job with ball security since replacing injured starter Ryan Tannehill, committed three consecutive t u r n ove r s u p o n r e t u r n - ing, raising questions over whether he was woozy.
Moore lost a fumble following a blindside hit by linebacker James Harrison, lost another fumble on a safety blitz by Mike Mitchell, then threw an interception. The first turnover denied the Dolphins a chance to cut the deficit to 20-13 at halftime before the next two led to 10 Steelers points.