Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert took a hard hit during a run in the first quarter on ‘SNF’ against the Ravens, but referees opted against penalizing Ravens safety Geno Stone despite the tackle appearing to come after Herbert had stepped out of bounds.
Herbert scampered toward the right sideline for a gain of five yards before trying to sneak out of bounds in order to avoid contact. Despite successfully getting his feet out of bounds, Los Angeles’ star quarterback was blown up by a late hit from Stone.
![](https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ch_800%2Cw_1200/MjAyNDk4NDI5ODAzMzA4MDQ0/ap23331059663784.jpg)
(AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Tempers flared in the aftermath, as players from both teams got into a physical spat. Officials seemed to think things crossed the line during the brief brawl, and they flagged Chargers offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer for unnecessary roughness.
Not only was Herbert not awarded the penalty he deserved, but L.A. lost 15 yards after Salyer came to his quarterback’s defense.
Fans on social media were baffled by the decision-making from the officiating crew, and took to X to share their displeasure.
Justin Herbert was hit VERY late 😳 pic.twitter.com/9wdkuGCwhn
— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) November 27, 2023
Justin Herbert gets absolutely CRUSHED and there’s NO FLAG…
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) November 27, 2023
But the Chargers get flagged for defending their quarterback…. this is just crazy. https://t.co/WwYyyRzeMi
Chargers QB gets blown up with no flag.
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) November 27, 2023
Chargers lineman standing up for his blown up QB gets flagged. pic.twitter.com/GjoYC9zDgJ
referees are getting worse every week
— charles (“you look good” - andy reid) mcdonald (@FourVerts) November 27, 2023
Are you kidding me!
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) November 27, 2023
They don’t call PF on the hit on Justin Herbert out of bounds.
And then make it worse with PF on Chargers for responding to the missed call.
Just absurd.
Brutal sequence in the red zone.
— Daniel Wade (@dantalkssports) November 27, 2023
Justin Herbert gets hit blatantly late and there’s no flag, then Jamaree Salyer gets a personal foul for trying to protect his quarterback.
From automatic first inside the 5 to 3rd-and-19.
Refs are trash.
— Summer (@SumCle24) November 27, 2023
Love Herbert’s attitude and toughness tho. https://t.co/tH0zefWpO5
the refereeing this year has taken a dramatic fall off
— eruj (@erujabidi) November 27, 2023