There could be significant fallout for several players from Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams’ win over the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Wild Card.
That includes linebacker Nate Landman.
Landman was one of several players to incur a penalty during the game, and one of a select few who committed infractions that figure to draw additional scrutiny from the NFL in the coming days before the Divisional Round begins.
Team Captain, Rams Teammate Facing Discipline After Wild Card Win
GettyNate Landman #53 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on against the Houston Texans.
During the fourth quarter, with the Panthers driving in Rams territory, Landman delivered a big hit to Carolina’s Jalen Coker. Officials flagged the play, simply announcing “unnecessary roughness.”
However, rules analyst Mike Pereira chimed in during the broadcast to add that Landman, a team captain in his first season with the Rams, led with his helmet.
That is where the NFL could take particular interest.
Per rule 12, section 2, article 10 of the NFL rulebook, “It is a foul if a player: (a) lowers his head and makes forcible contact with his helmet against an opponent; or (b) uses any part of his helmet or facemask to butt or make forcible contact to an opponent’s head or neck.”
According to the NFL’s Accountability: Fines & Appeals portal, players can be docked up to $23,186 for their first such offense, and up to $46,371 for their second and after.
There is language allowing Incidental contact, which could be key for Landman avoiding a fine.
Rams Pass Rusher a Potential Repeat Offender
GettyDesjuan Johnson #94 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after sacking Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks.
Landman’s was actually the second of the Rams’ two potentially fine-worthy plays. After covering a kick return during the third quarter of the Rams’ eventual 34-31 victory, edge rusher Desjuan Johnson got into an altercation with Panthers edge defender Trevis Gipson Sr.
Officials threw a flag and penalized Johnson and the Rams 15 yards.
Johnson could be seen speaking with McVay and other members of the staff on the sideline after the play, with several pats of support for the young defender.
The Panthers ultimately turned the ball over on downs on that possession. However, unsportsmanlike conduct, specifically taunting, can lead to fines up to $11,593 for first-time offenses, while future occurrences can reach $17,389.
The NFL can and has used discretion when assessing when and how much to fine players for similar infractions.
That complicates the situation for Landman, the Rams, and possibly Johnson in particular.
Johnson was fined for a different infraction, a “hit on a quarterback” and using his “body weight,” against Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins in a Week 17 loss, which cost the Rams EDGE $5,830.
Panthers Duo Could Also Hear From NFL
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts against the Arizona Cardinals.
Johnson, Landman, and the Rams are not the only ones who could receive an unfortunate notice from the NFL next week.
During the first quarter, officials called Panthers tight end Mitchell Evans for “unneccessary roughness” for yanking Landman to the ground by his jersey after an interception. Personal fouls give the NFL the freedom to penalize a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Fines for “striking/kicking/tripping/kneeing” can range from up to $12,172 and up to $17,968.
Officials flagged Panthers safety (and ex-Ram) Nick Scott for a hit on Davante Adams, and specifically a “hit on a defenseless player.”
Those can incur fines from up to $17,389 to as much as $23,186. However, Fox Sports’ Greg Olsen noted that there was also helmet-to-helmet contact on the hit, which could mean a similar fine to what Landman faces.
Up next for McVay and the Rams are the Chicago Bears in the Divisional Round.
Multiple Rams Players Facing Punishment From NFL After Wild Card Win