Tag: Los Angeles

Nov 2, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay and wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) react after a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Rams’ Sean McVay defends Puka Nacua amidst allegations

Posted on | by Field Level Media

With Puka Nacua facing a lawsuit for allegedly biting two women and making an antisemitic statement during a New Year’s Eve gathering, Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay said Monday that he has a “close relationship” with the wide receiver and supports him.

“You guys know, I trust this kid’s heart,” McVay said at the annual league meeting. “Love him, put your arm around him, want to continue to help him grow. And, really, get all the appropriate facts before I rush to judgment on that particular situation. But I will say, knowing this guy for three years, is I do trust his heart. I trust the human being. And I want to be able to put my arm around him.”

Nacua is coming off a season in which he led the NFL with 129 receptions and 107.2 yards per game, finishing with 1,715 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games (15 starts). He is due for a large extension this offseason and is set to make a base salary of $5.77 million.

As for the lawsuit, Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, denied the receiver said the antisemitic remark while describing the biting as “horseplay.” McCathern told ABC News last week in a statement that Nacua is “pursuing all available legal remedies in response to these false and damaging statements.”

A hearing is set for April 14. The suit seeks monetary damages but does not specify an amount.

Nacua, 24, had to apologize for a different antisemitic incident that took place earlier that month on a livestream with influencer Adin Ross. Ross persuaded Nacua into making a gesture connected to Jewish stereotypes while practicing a touchdown celebration on the stream.

McVay said that Nacua understands there is a responsibility for each player to represent the organization that is “not exclusive just the production on the field.”

“Puka would be the first to tell you, he and I have a close relationship,” McVay said. “We communicate clear, open, and honest. The play on the field is amazing, and with what the play has dictated and determined, there’s a responsibility in terms of representing all things — not exclusive to just that. He knows that. Those are the expectations. And we’re hopeful that will be something that, this is an opportunity for him to learn and grow, and we are hopeful that he’s a Ram for a really long time.”

In Nacua’s three-year career, the 2023 fifth-round pick has 313 receptions for 4,191 yards and 19 touchdowns in 44 games (43 starts). He was named a first-team All-Pro in 2025 and is a two-time Pro Bowl selection.

–Field Level Media

Death of ex-NFL tackle Kevin Johnson ruled a homicide

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Police in Los Angeles are investigating the death of former NFL defensive tackle Kevin Johnson as a homicide.

He was found unconscious and later pronounced dead Wednesday at a homeless encampment in the city. On Thursday, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled his death as a homicide and said Johnson, 55, died from “blunt head trauma and stab wounds.”

A Los Angeles native, he played at Texas Southern before being selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 1993 NFL Draft.

He didn’t make an NFL appearance until 1995 with the Philadelphia Eagles and spent two seasons there before a final campaign in 1997 with the then-Oakland Raiders.

In all, he played in 38 games (six starts) and made 54 tackles and seven sacks to go with one forced fumble and a recovered fumble that he returned 37 yards for a touchdown.

He later played in the Arena Football League.

–Field Level Media

Sam Darnold, Seahawks try to deny Rams 3rd road playoff win

Posted on | by Field Level Media

If Sam Darnold has a nemesis, it’s the Los Angeles Rams.

Which, along with Darnold’s oblique injury, lends another level of intrigue to the NFC Championship game on Sunday in Seattle.

“Just attacking rehab these last couple days,” the Seattle Seahawks quarterback said. “Obviously, will be throughout the week; just got to continue to prepare and get my body right for Sunday.”

Darnold tweaked his oblique in practice last week. It didn’t seem to hinder him last Saturday as the Seahawks pummeled the visiting San Francisco 49ers 41-6 in the divisional playoffs.

Of course, Darnold wasn’t called on to do much, as the Seahawks’ running game, defense and special teams were dominant. Darnold was 12-of-17 passing for 124 yards and a touchdown to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and was turnover-free.

The Rams have had Darnold’s number. In a playoff game last year while with Minnesota, Darnold was sacked nine times and committed a pair of turnovers, one of which was returned for a touchdown, in a 27-9 defeat in Inglewood, Calif.

In Week 11 this season, Darnold threw four interceptions in a 21-19 loss to the host Rams, though he nearly rallied Seattle to a victory before Jason Myers’ 61-yard field-goal attempt as time expired faded wide right.

On Dec. 18 in Seattle, Darnold was sacked four times and threw a pair of picks as the Seahawks fell behind by 16 points in the fourth quarter. He then led a miraculous comeback and found backup tight end Eric Saubert for a two-point conversion in overtime of a 38-37 victory.

Darnold credited the Rams’ defense for having a “really good scheme” that disguises their coverages. He said a key will be “staying on schedule … staying positive on first and second down.”

“It’s win or go home at this point,” Darnold said. “But we look at it as another game. We trust our process throughout the week.”

Backup running back Zach Charbonnet, who led the Seahawks in the regular season with 12 rushing touchdowns, suffered a serious knee injury against the 49ers and is out for the rest of the season. Starter Kenneth Walker III carried a heavier load, rushing for 116 yards and three touchdowns.

The Seahawks (15-3) also have an injury concern at left tackle, with the top three candidates ailing. Starter Charles Cross left in the third quarter last Saturday with a foot injury and didn’t return. His backup, Josh Jones, wasn’t active against the 49ers with knee and ankle woes, and third-stringer Amari Kight, a rookie, played the final 17 snaps but missed practice time this week with a knee issue.

The Rams (14-5) have won two straight playoff games on the road to get to the conference title game. They dispatched Carolina 34-31 on Jan. 10 and Chicago 20-17 in overtime last Sunday.

They’re relatively healthy, with only safety Quentin Lake (illness) and linebacker Byron Young (knee) missing practice time this week.

The Los Angeles offense, which led the league in yards (394.6 per game) and scoring (30.5) during the regular season, struggled with a cold and hostile environment in Chicago.

It will be even louder Sunday in Seattle.

“When you go into the environment that we’re going into here on Sunday in Seattle, everybody’s gotta be on the same page and communicate,” said Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, a leading MVP candidate. “That’s what offense is all about. You gotta have 11 people working as one.”

The Rams’ Davante Adams, who led the NFL with 14 receiving touchdowns in the regular season, missed the last game against Seattle with an injury.

“This is the biggest game,” Adams told reporters this week. “Whatever game you’re currently in is the biggest game of the year. But this is, obviously, the biggest game right here. They took care of business against us last time. It’s tough being on the sideline … even though we did take care of business on offense and had a good day. But it’s time to finish it off this time.”

–Field Level Media

Rams aim to build playoff momentum vs. defenseless Cardinals

Posted on | by Field Level Media

In something of an identity crisis, the Los Angeles Rams will be out to lock down a favorable playoff matchup when they host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at Inglewood, Calif., in the regular-season finale for both teams.

Once riding high as the first NFC team to clinch a playoff spot, the Rams (11-5) are on a two-game losing streak that has taken them out of the running for the NFC West title and reduced them to no better than the No. 5 playoff seed.

Instead of playing a simple playoff tune-up against one of the worst teams in the NFC, the Rams face the Cardinals (3-13) at a crossroads. They can look either like a team that simply peaked in early December or a dangerous wild-card entry capable of running the table in the postseason.

Los Angeles head coach Sean McVay is taking no chances. He already has said the Rams’ regulars will be in action against the Cardinals.

If the Seattle Seahawks defeat the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, then Los Angeles will land the No. 5 seed with a win. That will put the Rams on the road to open the playoffs with a less daunting challenge against the NFC South champion.

A 49ers win or a Rams loss makes Los Angeles the No. 6 seed with a visit to either Chicago or Philadelphia ahead in the wild-card round.

“Just because you play good one week doesn’t mean you’re going to play good the next and vice versa,” Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford said. “I’m just going to go out there and continue to trust what we’ve done all year.”

Stafford has thrown a franchise-record 42 touchdown passes, but he threw a season-high three interceptions in a 27-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday that was a blow to his MVP chances. He also had two interceptions in a Nov. 30 loss at Carolina. He tossed just two picks in the Rams’ first 11 games.

“We wouldn’t be in a lot of the great situations we’re in without him, but … he’s capable of playing better,” McVay said of Stafford’s most recent performance.

Los Angeles running back Blake Corum (ankle) did not practice Wednesday after an injury that occurred against the Falcons. It might afford running opportunities for Ronnie Rivers behind Kyren Williams.

Wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) and offensive lineman Kevin Dotson (ankle) also missed practice, while tight end Tyler Higbee (ankle) was designated for a return from injured reserve and was a full participant. Adams is expected to miss his fourth consecutive game.

The Cardinals are playing out the string in a disappointing season that has them on an eight-game losing streak following a 37-14 road loss to the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday.

Quarterback Kyler Murray is done for the season with a foot injury sustained in a devastating Week 5 loss to the Tennessee Titans, who scored 16 fourth-quarter points.

Jacoby Brissett has taken over and completed 64.5% of his passes in 13 games (11 starts) with 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

At issue has been a Cardinals defense that has allowed 35.0 points per game during the current losing streak. That includes allowing a season-high 45 points to the Rams in a Dec. 7 blowout loss.

“Those guys, they know. They’ll maximize their last opportunity here,” Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said of his team. “… They want to go play well for their teammates and try to win a game.”

Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (left foot) was ruled out on Wednesday while safety Kitan Crawford (ankle) and linebacker Josh Sweat (ankle/knee) missed practice.

–Field Level Media

Oct 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) makes a touchdown catch against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Justin Herbert (3 TDs), Chargers overwhelm skidding Vikings

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Justin Herbert threw three touchdowns and Kimani Vidal ran for 117 yards and his first career rushing touchdown as the Los Angeles Chargers pounded the Minnesota Vikings 37-10 on Thursday night in Inglewood, Calif.

The Chargers (5-3), who had lost three of their last four games, held a gaudy 419-164 yardage advantage and went the whole game without punting.

Herbert completed 18 of 25 passes for 227 yards with an interception. Ladd McConkey led the Chargers with six catches for 88 yards while Oronde Gadsden II had 77 yards on five receptions, both catching touchdowns.

Carson Wentz, making his fifth straight start in place of J.J. McCarthy, was 15-of-27 passing for 144 yards, a touchdown and a pick for Minnesota. He was sacked five times and hit eight times, with two sacks and three hits coming from Justin Eboigbe.

The Vikings (3-4) got running back Aaron Jones Sr. back off injured reserve, but managed just 34 rushing yards as a team and lost for the third time in four games.

The Chargers opened up a 24-3 lead after the opening second-half possession by scoring on four of their first five possessions. The only one they didn’t score was on a missed field goal by Cameron Dicker, his first of the season after a 15-for-15 start.

It appeared the Vikings scored first on a 17-yard Isaiah Rodgers interception that he returned for a touchdown four minutes into the game. However, it was ruled an incompletion after review.

Twelve plays later, the Chargers capped off a 14-play drive that took over half of the first quarter with an 8-yard touchdown from Herbert to Gadsden.

Los Angeles made it 14-0 on its next possession, with Vidal scoring from 3 yards out with 13:08 left in the first half. Vidal, stepping into a starting role with Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton back out, posted his second 100-yard performance in the last three games.

Minnesota got on the board on the ensuing possession with a 54-yard Will Reichard field goal, but the Chargers extended their lead shortly before half. A 27-yard scoring pass from Herbert to McConkey capped off a 94-yard drive to make it 21-3 at the half.

After Dicker hit a 43-yard field goal to extend the lead, the Vikings finally reached the end zone when Wentz found Jordan Addison for a 4-yard TD to cut the deficit to 24-10 with 4:36 left in the third.

Once again, the Chargers responded as Herbert threw his third touchdown, a 6-yarder to Tre Harris, with 12:42 left in regulation.

The Vikings have allowed eight touchdown passes the last three games after giving up just three in their first four games.

Dicker closed the scoring with two fourth-quarter field goals.

–Field Level Media

Oct 12, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) celebrates after scoring a tocuhdown against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images

Cameron Dicker kicks Chargers to last-second win over Dolphins

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Cameron Dicker’s 33-yard field goal with five seconds left lifted the Los Angeles Chargers to a 29-27 win over the host Miami Dolphins on Sunday afternoon at Miami Gardens, Fla.

The game-winner was Dicker’s fifth field goal in five attempts for the game and helped the Chargers (4-2) snap a two-game losing streak.

De’Von Achane rushed for 128 yards on 16 carries and scored a pair of rushing touchdowns for the Dolphins (1-5), who dropped their second in a row and are off to their worst start since opening the 2021 season with a 1-7 record.

Tua Tagovailoa’s 7-yard touchdown pass to Darren Waller with 46 seconds remaining gave the Dolphins a 27-26 lead.

Tagovailoa, who completed 21 of 31 passes for 205 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions, went 7 of 7 for 57 yards on what the Dolphins hoped would be the game-winning drive.

But Nyheim Miller-Hines returned the ensuing kickoff to the Chargers’ 41 and, on the Chargers’ second play of the drive, Ladd McConkey caught a screen pass from Justin Herbert, shook off a tackler and sped 42 yards to the Dolphins’ 17-yard line to set up the eventual winning score.

Tagovailoa was picked off by Derwin James Jr. on Miami’s final possession as time expired.

Herbert completed 29 of 38 passes for 264 yards, two touchdown passes and no interceptions. Kimani Vidal ran for 124 yards on 18 carries and caught a touchdown pass.

Herbert threw both of his touchdown passes early in the second half to help Los Angeles transform a 13-9 halftime deficit into a 26-13 lead.

Herbert directed a 13-play, 72-yard drive that lasted the first seven minutes, 34 seconds of the second half to give the Chargers a 16-13 lead on a 5-yard touchdown pass to McConkey.

Tagovailoa threw his second interception on the ensuing drive as Benjamin St-Juste jumped in front of a pass intended for Jaylen Waddle at the Dolphins’ 37-yard line. The turnover led to a 7-yard touchdown on a catch and run out of the backfield by Vidal to push L.A.’s lead to 23-13 with 4:01 left in the third.

Achane’s 4-yard touchdown with 7:56 remaining in the fourth cut the Chargers’ lead to 26-20.

–Field Level Media

Oct 12, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) carries the ball against the Baltimore Ravens for a touchdown during the third quarter of the game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Rams shut down struggling Ravens

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Matthew Stafford completed 17 of 26 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown, and the visiting Los Angeles Rams pulled away for a 17-3 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday afternoon.

Kyren Williams finished with 87 total yards (50 rushing, 37 receiving) and a touchdown on the ground for Los Angeles (4-2), which bounced back from a loss last week against the San Francisco 49ers. Tyler Higbee added a receiving touchdown.

Derrick Henry had 24 carries for 122 yards for Baltimore (1-5), whose nightmare start to the season continued. Zay Flowers had six catches for a team-high 46 yards.

The Ravens remained without All-Pro quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is sidelined because of a hamstring injury that he sustained in Week 4. Cooper Rush started in Jackson’s place and completed 11 of 19 passes for 72 yards and an interception before he was benched in favor of veteran reserve Tyler Huntley.

In his season debut, Huntley completed 10 of 15 passes for 68 yards. He could not find the end zone for the Ravens, who have scored 13 points combined in their last two games.

The Rams appeared to dodge an injury scare of their own. Top wideout Puka Nacua lumped off the field with a foot injury in the second quarter, but he later returned to the game. He had two receptions for 28 yards.

Nate Landman recorded a franchise-record 17 tackles for the Rams.

Baltimore opened the scoring midway through the first quarter. Tyler Loop made a 37-yard field goal to finish a 12-play, 53-yard drive.

The Rams pulled even on a 36-yard field goal by Joshua Karty with 9:50 left in the first half.

Los Angeles took the lead for good on its opening drive of the second half. Williams scored on a 3-yard run to put the Rams on top 10-3 with 11:52 left in the third quarter.

Flowers lost a fumble on Baltimore’s next drive, and the Rams quickly capitalized. Stafford found Higbee for an 8-yard touchdown to make it 17-3 with 10:20 to go in the third quarter.

-Field Level Media

Oct 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates after a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Commanders’ Jayden Daniels returns to guide rally past Chargers

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt rushed for 111 yards and two scores, Jayden Daniels passed for 231 yards and a touchdown in his return to the lineup and the Washington Commanders rallied from a 10-point deficit for a 27-10 win Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers in Inglewood, Calif.

Daniels, who missed the previous two games with a left knee injury, completed 15 of 26 passes and ran for 39 yards. Deebo Samuel had eight catches for 96 yards and a touchdown for Washington (3-2).

Justin Herbert completed 22 of 29 passes for 166 yards, one touchdown and one interception for the Chargers (3-2), who have lost two straight.

Keenan Allen caught five passes, giving him 1,003 career receptions in 159 games. He became the fastest player in NFL history to reach the 1,000-catch mark, breaking the record owned by Marvin Harrison Sr.

The Chargers allowed five sacks and had 10 penalties for 85 yards.

With the score tied 10-10, Washington took the second-half kick and went 69 yards in seven plays. Croskey-Merritt had a 28-yard catch before scoring from five yards out.

Matt Gay added a 36-yard field goal to make it 20-10 with 5:49 left in the third.

On the first play of the fourth, Croskey-Merritt fumbled and Los Angeles recovered at its 43. The Chargers drove to the 1 but on third-and-goal from the 4, Herbert’s pass was tipped and intercepted by Mike Sainristil at the 1.

Washington drove 99 yards in 13 plays and Daniels hit Samuel for an 8-yard touchdown with 1:08 remaining.

The Chargers took an early lead. On third-and-2, Herbert scrambled for 41 yards to the Commanders 27. Their drive stalled and Cameron Dicker hit a 29-yard field goal, but Sainristil was offside to give Los Angeles a first down. Herbert soon passed to Ladd McConkey from 2 yards out and the Chargers led 7-0.

Los Angeles was leading 10-0 midway through the second when the game turned. With the Chargers driving, Quentin Johnston caught a 19-yard pass from Herbert and fumbled. Marshon Lattimore recovered for the Commanders at their 26.

Daniels converted a third-and-16 with a pass to Jaylin Lane, and six plays later Croskey-Merritt went around the left end for a 15-yard touchdown and it was 10-7.

Late in the first half, Washington punted from its end zone and McConkey returned it 57 yards for a touchdown, but Marlowe Wax was called for roughing the kicker. With a new set of downs, Daniels threw deep to Luke McCaffrey for 50 yards to the Chargers’ 33 and Gay’s 29-yard field goal tied it at 10 just before the half.

–Field Level Media

Aug 12, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams safety Tanner Ingle (34) against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Report: NFL fines Rams S Tanner Ingle for hit on Chargers’ Quentin Johnston

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The NFL has fined Los Angeles Rams safety Tanner Ingle $4,666 for his hit that gave Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston a concussion in an Aug. 16 preseason game, NFL Network reported on Saturday.

Johnston was injured on an incomplete deep sideline pass from quarterback Justin Herbert when Ingle hit him on the third play from scrimmage of the Rams’ 23-22 victory. Johnston lay on his back with his arms outstretched and was motionless for several moments at SoFi Stadium. Johnston eventually moved his arms and legs, then sat up and walked to the medical cart that took him off the field

Ingle, 25, had nine tackles in the Rams’ 19-17 loss on Saturday to the host Cleveland Browns in their preseason finale.

He was an undrafted free agent out of North Carolina State who spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons on the Rams’ practice squad and signed a futures contract for the 2025 season on Jan. 20.

–Field Level Media

May 12, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers receiver Quentin Johnston (1) during offseason workouts at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Chargers WR Quentin Johnston exits on cart from preseason game vs. Rams

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston left the preseason game against the host Los Angeles Rams on a medical cart after taking a big hit on the third play from scrimmage on Saturday in Inglewood, Calif.

Johnston was injured on an incomplete deep sideline pass from quarterback Justin Herbert when Rams safety Tanner Ingle hit him. Johnston lay on his back with his arms outstretched and was motionless for several moments at SoFi Stadium. Trainers, Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh and wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal checked on him.

While players from both teams knelt and medical personnel tended to him, Johnston eventually moved his arms and legs, then sat up and walked to the cart that took him off the field.

Johnston, who turns 24 on Sept. 6, caught 55 passes on 91 targets last season for 711 yards and a team-high eight touchdowns in 15 regular season games (11 starts). He has 93 career receptions for 1,142 yards and 10 TDs in 32 regular season games (21 starts).

The Chargers selected Johnston with the 21st overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of TCU.

–Field Level Media