The Rams’ season opener in Melbourne already left a mark on the scoreboard, and now it has left a mark on the checkbook.
After Los Angeles dropped a 27-7 decision to the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 10 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, the NFL announced Saturday that Rams player Tyler Davis has been fined for a hit on Brock Purdy. The league classified the play as a “hit on a quarterback” and said it was a “blow to the head/neck.” The incident came at the 1:24 mark of the second half, and Davis was docked $6,225.
Davis wasn’t the only Rams player hit with a fine from that game. Linebacker Nate Landman was also penalized, with the NFL fining him $11,111 for “unnecessary Roughness” and “use of the helmet.” That play happened in the second quarter with 7:01 remaining.
The fines are part of the NFL’s weekly discipline process for in-game violations. The league says it uses the fine schedule to lay out its and the union’s expectations for how players should conduct themselves in a way that honors the sport and respects the game, themselves, their fellow players, the fans and the league.
The money collected from NFL fines goes to the Professional Athletes Foundation to help Legends in need and the NFL Foundation to help “support the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels, including youth football and the communities that support the game,” according to the NFL.
Now the Rams move on to a “Monday Night Football” matchup against the New York Giants, but the fallout from the opener is still following them.
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Kayvon Thibodeaux was among the names that improved their standing, along with Darnell Mooney, while others such as Micah McFadden and ArDarius Washington saw their roles trimmed in ways that could matter later. It is obviously early, but for a front office trying to balance present production with future payroll decisions, these first impressions can be the start of some very real long-term calls. [Read more 🡒]
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Jaxson Dart Just Earned The Rams' Attention For A Bigger Test
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Still, admiration and matchup planning are two different things. The Rams are expected to test Dart aggressively in his next outing, forcing him to keep showing the same poise while handling a defense that will have more answers ready for his style. For the Giants, the appeal of Dart right now is obvious, but the real evaluation comes when a veteran opponent starts treating his mobility and instincts as problems to solve. [Read more 🡒]
