After Rams Loss, Washington Commanders Running Out of Chances

The Washington Commanders now find themselves in an even tougher spot coming out of the week nine loss against the Los Angeles Rams.

The Commanders have now dug themselves into an even bigger hole in the NFC East race after moving to 2-5-1, a deflating reality given how the rest of the division played out on Sunday.

The New York Giants picked up their first win against the Eagles in Philadelphia in 13 years following a 19-11 finish, extending the Giants' lead in the division and pushing the Eagles further into last place amid a setback season. Yet the Dallas Cowboys did what the Commanders couldn't -- beat the Indianapolis Colts. A 14 point second quarter helped the Cowboys avoid a losing streak and moving one game under .500.

The Commanders now find themselves 1.5 games behind the Cowboys for second place in the division with a chance at shaking up the divisional race in week ten now a distant reality. The Commanders are set for the first of two consecutive games on primetime when they take on the Giants in the rematch on Thursday night, marking the lone game left currently on the Commanders' schedule set to be broadcast on Amazon Prime. Still, it marks a deflating reality in a string of missed opportunities for Washington.

Outside linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson expressed frustration with the explosive performance of Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, who became the fourth receiver to record at least 100 receiving yards against Washington's defense in 2026. Yet in a game where Washington led, 10-3, in the first half, the 20-13 loss at home marked the latest result that highlights the missed opportunities in 2026.

Poor execution on the final offensive play loomed large in the season opening loss, while penalties and injuries loomed large in the international loss against the Colts. The most controversial of all that seemingly flipped the outlook of the season was Washington's inexcusable tie against the Giants, highlighting the execution issues that have plagued the season.

Head coach Dan Quinn noted the final play of Sunday's loss against the Rams featured the check down option with the Rams disguising their blitz, leading to a pair of hopeful laterals on a play that fizzled quickly.

Both Dan Quinn and quarterback Jayden Daniels pointed to the looming divisional matchup on the road as the chance to flip the script. Washington will now look to avenge the tie when they take on a Giants team riding a two-game win streak and 5-2-1 record into MetLife Stadium, marking maybe the final chance for the Commanders to salvage a puzzling season, even if that reality has already started to set in.

"Next week is a must-win," quarterback Jayden Daniels said.