NFL Reviews On-Field Incident Involving Matthew Stafford
The Los Angeles Rams delivered a dominant performance in Week 14, cruising past the Arizona Cardinals with a 45–17 victory. The win helped Los Angeles rebound from a narrow loss to the Carolina Panthers the week before and pushed the Rams to a 10–3 record, keeping them atop the NFC standings.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford played a major role in the rout. The veteran passer completed 22 of his 31 attempts, throwing for 281 yards and three touchdowns without turning the ball over. His efficiency and control of the offense allowed the Rams to quickly regain momentum after the previous week’s setback.
Beyond his statistical success, Stafford found himself at the center of a disputed moment during the second half. Early in the third quarter, a pass intended for tight end Davis Allen fell incomplete after Allen was restrained by Cardinals rookie linebacker Jordan Burch. Officials flagged Burch for a facemask violation, awarding Los Angeles an automatic first down.
The penalty proved costly for Arizona. The Rams capitalized on the extended drive, finishing it with a six-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Colby Parkinson.
Following the game, the NFL’s Officiating Department evaluated the play as part of its weekly review process. According to the league’s gameday accountability report released Saturday, Burch will not face a fine for the facemask infraction.
The decision stands out given that several similar penalties in Week 14 resulted in financial discipline. Dallas wide receiver George Pickens received an $11,593 fine for unnecessary roughness tied to a facemask incident, while Tennessee linebacker Cedric Gray was fined $6,492 for each of two separate violations in his team’s matchup against Cleveland.
Looking ahead, the Rams are set to face the Detroit Lions on Sunday, while the struggling Cardinals, now 3–10, will travel to Houston to take on the Texans in Week 15.
