CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
The typical rib protectors for most QBs (as is the case with Hebert) is made from a downward projecting pad extending from the shoulder pads. Then there is another wrap around pad for the lower ribs. In order to avoid problems with flexibility/bending forward during play, there is a separation of ~3-4 inches between the upper and lower protectors. The QB is most vulnerable when the hit is in or near this essentially bare area. When there is forceful contact in this area, the bottom edge of the uppers and the upper edge of the lowers dig hard into the underlying relatively unprotected ribs. And that is exactly the area where the helmet hit Hebert.