Robert Saleh framed his postgame compliment of Liam Coen as a genuine acknowledgment of the Jaguars’ tape-work and player positioning, insisting his words were praise not a dig and that the league relentlessly chases leverage. He lauded Coen’s staff and Jacksonville’s physical, tape-driven offense after the 26-21 win at Levi’s Stadium.

Kyle Shanahan downplayed the incident as much ado about nothing while noting Saleh’s intent to compliment. The saga, unfolding ahead of Thursday night’s Rams game, underscores the NFL’s fixation on film study and coaching leverage as much as on playmaking ability.