The Los Angeles Rams had not one but two players receive punishment following the team’s upset loss against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17, including an incident involving quarterback Kirk Cousins.
The loss may have stung more than the docked pay does.
Still, one development is another unfortunate reminder of the others as the Rams look to snap their losing streak at two games in Week 18.
Jared Verse Gets Fine After In-Game Fears
GettyJared Verse #8 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on against the Seattle Seahawks.
Per the NFL’s Gameday Accountability portal on January 3, Rams outside linebacker Jared Verse received an $11,593 fine for “unsportsmanlike conduct” after “taunting” the Falcons.
Verse’s infraction also came during the third quarter, after he blocked a Falcons field goal attempt and recovered the ball. As Verse ran the ball back for a score, he threw up a peace sign toward the Falcons’ sideline.
Verse spoke candidly about the gesture.
Verse said he feared action from the officials during the game during his media availability in Week 17. He also feared crossing Rams head coach Sean McVay.
“I got scared as s***, I ain’t going to lie. I was like, ‘Ahh, Sean going to kill me,” Verse told reporters on January 1, adding, “I was like, ‘It’s bad.’ And then, I got to the end zone, I was like, ‘They not gonna review it? Nah, they not gonna do that, we good.’”
Unfortunately for Verse, the NFL often fines uncalled infractions.
Rams Desjuan Johnson Punished After ‘Monday Night Football’
GettyDesjuan Johnson #94 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after sacking Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks.
In addition to Verse, Rams teammate Desjuan Johnson was fined $5,830 for a “hit on a quarterback” and, more specifically, “body weight,” after he landed on Cousins during the third quarter of the eventual loss.
Johnson was called for “roughing the passer” during the game.
The NFL has emphasized QB safety in recent years. Their lean into body weight began during the 2018 season and immediately saw an increase in roughing the passer calls.
Per Rule 12, Section 2, Article 11 of the NFL rulebook, “The defensive player must strive to fall to the side of the quarterback’s body, or to brace his fall with his arms to avoid landing on the quarterback with all or most of his body weight.”
Roughing the passer calls typically trigger fines, and the body weight qualifier all but assured it.
Moreover, the penalty gave the Falcons an additional 15 yards on a play during which they gained 22 yards. The drive ended with a touchdown, breaking a 17-all tie.
Rams Loss Costly in Many Ways
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on during a game against the Atlanta Falcons.
The loss pushed Verse and the Rams down a rung. It moved them behind the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West and conference standings. It is a far fall from sitting atop the NFC, as the Rams did just two weeks ago.
Their back-to-back losses hit at the most inopportune time.
The Seattle Seahawks–who defeated the Rams on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 16–have not slowed down, while the 49ers have heated up.
Now, Verse and the Rams need the Seahawks to defeat the 49ers in Week 18, while also defeating the Arizona Cardinals themselves, to move up from the six-seed to fifth place before the 2025 NFC playoffs begin.
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