It doesn't have to be direct carotid pressure. It is a reflex to trauma, caused by nerves that control heart rate. It is what causes some people to pass out at the sight of blood, etc. The blood vessels widen, bp drops, and down you go. I have seen it a dozen times with my youngest son, usually from pain. Once, we were in a store and he accidentally hit his elbow on a shelf, and down he went. His doctor said it was a vasovagal syncope.
Watching Pat get up is exactly what I have seen every time after my son has had this type of episode. Woozy for a minute, then fine.
Pat is in the concussion protocol because this happened on national tv and the NFL is covering their ass. I don't blame them, as it was a scary sight for all to see. I have no issue with the extra precautions.