The Rams are feeling the aftershocks of their season-ending defeat to the Eagles last Sunday. The 28-22 loss at Lincoln Field has put into focus the inability of Sean McVay’s side to go past the divisional round ever since their Super Bowl success. McVay has also seen a key assistant coach depart to take up a role with another franchise, while the future of veteran QB Matthew Stafford remains up in the air. Amidst all this, the NFL has dropped some bad news for two of the Rams players.

For large portions of the divisional round game, the Rams kept fighting and had the chance to escape with a win, but they were up against a force of nature in Saquon Barkley amid snowy conditions. While the disappointment from that defeat lingers, for two Rams players, the repercussions of that game are not over.

Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon was fined $6,722 by the Rams for unnecessary roughness (hit on a defenseless player). Witherspoon delivered a powerful hit to DeVonta Smith during the first half. He came in from the left side… used his shoulder to knock the ball free and prevent a 40-yard gain. The hit was hard. However, Witherspoon did not lead with his helmet. He made initial contact with the ball instead. Smith’s fall into the hit resulted in the penalty. Since the officials deemed it contact to the head/neck area. Witherspoon himself seemed to have disagreed with the call.

Meanwhile, linebacker Michael Hoecht has to pay $11,255 for a late hit and unnecessary roughness. Hoecht was fined for hitting Jalen Hurts out of bounds. This occurred near the end of the first half. The fines weren’t just symbolic. They represented a chunk of the $54,500 players earn for divisional playoff games.

During the playoffs, players don’t receive their usual paychecks based on their regular contracts but get compensation from the league. Losing more than a quarter of their playoff paycheck is a harsh reminder of how discipline is enforced in the postseason. Of course, this isn’t the first time this season that the Rams have been on the receiving end of the NFL’s punishment.

During Week 3, the Rams recorded a thrilling win over the 49ers, but it came with a price. Toward the end of the game, Kamren Kinchens and Brandon Aiyuk got into an altercation, before the Rams player appeared to slap Aiyuk’s helmet, before the 49ers man responded with a shove. The scuffle spilled to the sideline and Derion Kendrick, who was inactive in street clothes on the sideline, shoved Aiyuk.

The Rams were fined $100,000 for that incident involving Kendrick. Additionally, Kendrick was fined $5,656 individually, and Kamren Kinchens was also hit with a $5,653 fine.

There is much else also happening in the Rams organization. HC Sean McVay confirmed that game management coordinator John “Stretch” Streicher was joining the Patriots after just one season in Los Angeles. Streicher was a massive influence on the Rams’ improved situational and game management this year and will be missed.

However, the future of veteran Matthew Stafford is a bigger concern in Los Angeles at the moment

Matthew Stafford’s future is in question!

The 36-year-old quarterback was noncommittal after the defeat at the hands of the Eagles. “It’s 30 minutes after the last game,” Stafford said. “I’ll take some time to think about it.” Stafford has two years remaining in his four-year contract, which is for $160 million. But he hinted at a possible return.

“I love competing. I love being in those moments,” he shared. “Next time I’m out there, line it up. Let’s do it again.” However, his wife, Kelly, added fuel to retirement rumors with an Instagram post. “I’m wondering if this is the end or not… guess we will find out,” Kelly Stafford wrote. The emotional post left fans speculating about whether the Rams’ leader would hang up his cleats after 16 seasons.

On her “Timeout” podcast, she also said how the retirement decision will solely be made by Stafford and that it has to be quick.

“That is going to be solely his decision,” Kelly said. “I’m not going to pressure him. I’m here to listen. At the end of the day, he texted me and he was like, ‘We’ll talk about it.’ I was like, ‘You talk, I’ll listen.’

“So, we are going to take time and he’s going to figure it out. But he’s going to have to figure it out somewhat soon because the Rams need to know,” she added.

Stafford’s potential retirement would leave the Rams in a precarious position. Their December resurgence was impressive. However, questions remain about the aging roster. Especially with Cooper Kupp’s recent injuries. The retirement of Aaron Donald last season already tested their defense. Now, Stafford’s departure would force the Rams into a significant rebuild. But on the brighter side…

Younger players like Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams showed promise this season. The Rams’ coaching staff also proved resourceful despite roster challenges. Whether that’s enough to contend without Stafford remains to be seen.