By Moses Joshua 
League discipline follows controversial moment as Lions balance accountability with an urgent playoff push.
As the Detroit Lions fight to keep their postseason hopes alive, the focus inside Allen Park has shifted firmly toward what lies ahead. A critical matchup against Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers awaits on Sunday, December 21, at Ford Field. Still, the sting of last week’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams hasn’t completely faded — and now, the NFL has added a postscript to that game with disciplinary action against a Rams defender.
A Loss That Still Lingers
Detroit’s 41–34 defeat to Los Angeles on December 14 was more than just another mark in the loss column. It exposed gaps, stalled momentum, and placed the Lions in an uncomfortable position as the regular season winds down.
Head coach Dan Campbell made it clear afterward that the loss wasn’t something he wanted his team brushing aside.
“Don’t go numb to when you get these losses. You know, the win, lose, win, lose. Like we got to get out of that rut, and it can’t be okay,” Campbell said.
His message wasn’t about dwelling — it was about accountability.
“It should burn at you, you know?” he added. “It should eat you up. And do not go numb to the losing. The staff and I, we’re going to come in, we’re going to watch this thing together tomorrow. All of us, in all three phases. Watch everything from top down. The players, ourselves. Make those corrections and then move on. It’s as simple as going back to work.”
That review process, it turns out, wasn’t limited to the Lions’ coaching staff.
NFL Discipline Comes Down
Each Saturday during the season, the NFL announces fines and punishments stemming from the previous week’s games. According to the league, these measures exist “to protect players from unnecessary risk and preserve competitive balance and game integrity,” with all enforceable violations agreed upon in advance by the NFL and NFL Players Association.
On Saturday, December 20, the league announced that Rams safety Jaylen McCollough was fined $5,361 for “unnecessary roughness” due to “use of the helmet” at the 13:06 mark of the first quarter against Detroit.
The ruling adds context to a physical game that already left the Lions searching for answers. While the fine doesn’t change the outcome on the scoreboard, it does reinforce the league’s stance on player safety and enforcement consistency.
Where the Money Goes — and What Comes Next
According to the NFL’s official rules, money collected from fines is distributed to the Professional Athletes Foundation, which “supports legends in need,” and the NFL Foundation, which focuses on “the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels, including youth football and the communities that support the game.”
McCollough does have the right to appeal.
“Players are notified of violations and may appeal any ruling,” the NFL states. “Cases are heard by appeals officers and former NFL players, Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster or Jordy Nelson, who are jointly appointed and paid by the NFL/NFLPA. The decisions made are final and binding.”
Whether an appeal is filed or not, the decision now stands as part of the league’s weekly accountability process.
Eyes Forward: Pittsburgh Is the Priority
For Campbell and the Lions, reflection only goes so far. The reality is simple: Detroit must improve — immediately.
“We got to play better. And now we know, you now have firsthand knowledge of what probably the top of the NFC looks like right now,” Campbell said, referencing the Rams. “That’s them. So now you know what it looks like. You know what it is. And we’re not there right now.”
Sunday’s matchup against Pittsburgh is no longer just another game. It’s a must-win moment that will define whether Detroit’s season continues with purpose or slips away.
The NFL’s punishment may close the book on one moment from the Rams game, but for the Lions, the story is still being written — and the next chapter has no room for mistakes.