Sean McVay demands more from Alaric Jackson
Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay didn’t mince words about offensive tackle Alaric Jackson, stating on October 10, 2023, that Jackson “has to consistently do a better job.”
This public admonishment came just one day after Jackson punched Buffalo Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb following the Rams’ 37-34 overtime loss at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
McVay’s Direct Challenge to Alaric Jackson
The incident quickly led to a two-game suspension for Jackson from the NFL for violating its personal conduct policy, further complicating the Rams’ already rocky 2-3 start to the 2023 season.
McVay’s comments underscore a pressing issue for the Rams: maintaining discipline and availability from key players. Jackson, who serves as quarterback Matthew Stafford’s primary blindside protector, now faces not only the consequences of his actions but also a direct challenge from his head coach to improve his conduct.
Sean McVay, known for his “we, not me” coaching philosophy, made it clear that Jackson’s actions were out of alignment with team values. He emphasized the importance of representing the franchise with integrity. “It is very important to represent the things that we want to be about,” McVay told reporters on October 10, 2023. “He has to consistently do a better job.”
The coach acknowledged the league’s decision to suspend Jackson but also indicated a need for internal reflection. McVay stressed the individual nature of each situation but maintained a firm stance on player responsibility. This public statement from McVay highlights the seriousness with which the team views such disciplinary lapses, especially from a starting player.
McVay elaborated on the broader implications of Jackson’s absence. “It certainly doesn’t help us when we’re missing a player of his caliber,” he noted. He asserted that Jackson must “make more consistent decisions that are in alignment with being available and representing the things that we want to be about without a doubt.”
This pressure on Alaric Jackson to improve discipline is a clear signal from the top.
Incident Details and NFL Response
The altercation unfolded on October 9, 2023, immediately following a tense overtime battle. After the game concluded, Jackson and Bradley Chubb exchanged words, escalating to Jackson following Chubb and delivering a punch to his head with his right hand. Bills teammates intervened to prevent Chubb from retaliating.
The NFL swiftly reacted, suspending Alaric Jackson for two games without pay. This decision falls under the NFL’s personal conduct policy, which aims to uphold standards of sportsmanship and prevent aggressive non-football acts. Missing these games will cost Jackson a significant portion of his salary, especially given his substantial contract.
A Pattern of Misconduct for Jackson
This isn’t Alaric Jackson’s first brush with the NFL’s disciplinary system, raising questions about a recurring pattern. He was previously suspended for two games during the 2024 season. That suspension stemmed from a lawsuit filed in 2025 by a woman who alleged Jackson recorded sexual acts without her consent, a serious violation of privacy and trust.
Furthermore, Jackson faced arrest on June 9, 2026, on suspicion of felony domestic battery following a confrontation at his home. While no formal charge resulted, as he entered a pretrial diversion program, these repeated incidents paint a concerning picture of off-field issues. Such behaviors complicate a player’s standing in the league and with their team, regardless of on-field talent.
Impact on Jackson’s Future and Contract
Jackson inked a three-year, $57.75 million contract extension with the Rams in February 2025, a deal that included $30 million fully guaranteed. This significant investment by the franchise reflects his value as a starting left tackle. However, the recurring disciplinary issues could jeopardize future earnings and his long-term position with the team.
Critically, no guarantees are in place for Jackson beyond the 2026 season. His recent suspension, combined with previous incidents, places his contractual security and reputation under scrutiny. While the exact financial mechanisms might involve complex digital asset movements, the underlying principle of player accountability directly impacts these high-stakes agreements.
Rams’ Offensive Line Shuffle Amidst Struggles
Jackson’s suspension creates an immediate void on the Rams’ offensive line, particularly at left tackle. He’ll miss critical games against the Arizona Cardinals and the Las Vegas Raiders, forcing the team to adjust its lineup during a crucial part of the season. His absence comes at a time when the team desperately needs stability.
Veteran David Quessenberry, 36, is set to step into Jackson’s role at left tackle. Quessenberry hasn’t started a game since 2023, when he made four starts for the Minnesota Vikings.
The Rams also have plans to open a 21-day window for rookie tackle Keagan Trost to return from injured reserve, adding another layer of complexity to their depth chart adjustments.
The current roster depth is thin, with Quessenberry as the only other tackle on the 53-man roster, alongside practice squad members Blake Hance and Austin Blaske.
Broader Team Performance Concerns
The Rams’ 2-3 start to the 2023 season has been underwhelming, especially for a team once considered a preseason Super Bowl favorite. While their offense leads the league with 424.4 yards per game and their defense ranks third in yards allowed, scoring has dipped from 30.5 points per game last season to 23.8 this year.
This discrepancy suggests an issue with finishing drives and converting yardage into points.
Adding to their woes, the loss to the Bills also saw kicker Harrison Mevis miss a 50-yard field goal and have a potential game-winning 48-yard attempt blocked. McVay openly criticized the kicking game, stating it “cost us the game tonight,” leading to Mevis’s waiver and the signing of Blake Grupe.
These multiple failures highlight a team struggling for cohesion and consistent execution across several units, with Jackson’s issue being the latest in a series of setbacks. The team’s overall financial health and operational decisions, while perhaps influenced by global markets like China’s economic performance, ultimately rest on player performance and availability.
Precedent and Accountability in the NFL
The NFL has a long-standing personal conduct policy designed to address actions that undermine the integrity of the game or pose a risk to others. Jackson’s multiple infractions, both on and off the field, fall squarely under this policy. The league has demonstrated a willingness to suspend players for actions deemed detrimental, even if they occur away from active gameplay.
In October 2025, Brian Branch received a suspension for smacking JuJu Smith-Schuster after a game, with NFL VP of Football Operations Jon Runyan explicitly stating such behavior “has no place in our game.” This prior instance reinforces the NFL’s consistent approach to post-game altercations and aggressive non-football acts.
McVay’s public call for Jackson to improve also aligns with a coaching trend where transparency about accountability is sometimes used to motivate change or manage public perception.
What’s Next for Jackson and the Rams
Alaric Jackson’s immediate future involves serving his two-game suspension, which will undoubtedly be a period of reflection. The Rams, meanwhile, must navigate a critical stretch without their starting left tackle.
The performance of David Quessenberry and the potential return of Keagan Trost from injured reserve will be closely watched as the team attempts to shore up its offensive line. These next few games are crucial for the Rams to prevent their season from spiraling further.
For Jackson, the path forward is clear: consistent, disciplined performance, both on and off the field. McVay has a track record of turning around slow starts, guiding the Rams to the playoffs after two of three previous instances in the last half-decade. However, the coach acknowledges he has “plenty of work to do.”
Jackson’s ability to embody the team’s values and avoid future incidents will be paramount in rebuilding trust and securing his place in the league, especially with his guaranteed money running out soon. His decisions need to consistently align with availability and the team’s broader mission.