The Rams’ trip to Melbourne got messy in a hurry, and one hit by defensive tackle Tyler Davis could cost him plenty once the NFL reviews it.
The play came in the second quarter on second-and-3, after Brock Purdy’s pass to Deebo Samuel fell incomplete. Instead of the possession ending there, Davis’ collision with Purdy gave the 49ers a fresh set of downs. Davis was flagged for roughing the passer on the spot, and the league could tack on a fine under its guidelines.
For a first roughing-the-passer offense, the NFL can hit a player with a fine of up to $17,911, and that number can climb to $23,882. Because this is Davis’ first such issue this season, it remains to be seen whether the league will take further action.
There’s also the possibility that the hit drew attention for helmet-to-helmet contact. The broadcast angle suggested Davis may have struck Purdy that way as well, which carries its own set of penalties.
First-time offenders can be fined up to $23,882, while repeat violations can reach $47,762. If both infractions are assessed, Davis could be staring at nearly $42,000 in fines.
The Rams were sloppy throughout the game, and the unnecessary roughness on that sequence fit the rest of the night. The 49ers, meanwhile, made the most of it.
Purdy turned in a strong opener, finishing 25 of 34 for 205 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. He also ran five times for 29 yards and posted a 105.6 quarterback rating.
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