Studs, Duds From Washington Commanders Loss vs. Los Angeles Rams

The Washington Commanders dropped to 2-5-1 after their 20-13 loss to the Rams on Sunday. With both the Giants and Cowboys winning, the Commanders now sit in third place in the NFC East (one game behind first place), and their playoff chances are effectively over. They head to the Meadowlands on Thursday to take on the Giants. Here's a look at the positives (Studs) and negatives (Duds) of Sunday’s game.

Stud: MLB Frankie Luvu

The inside linebacker duo delivered an outstanding performance, despite the absence of starters Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne, who were unavailable both on Sunday and for the remainder of the season. Collectively, they recorded 28 tackles, with Luvu contributing one sack and two tackles for loss. Styoes registered 13 tackles and one tackle for loss, while Mae made multiple crucial third-down tackles that returned possession to the offense.

Dud: Offensive Coordinator David Blough

Blough began the game with two well-executed drives, resulting in ten points during the first quarter. However, his play-calling became increasingly conservative as the game went on. The offense lacked creativity and did not attempt to exploit the Rams' depleted secondary, which was missing starting cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Although the Commanders had limited depth at wide receiver, they retained a potential advantage. Additionally, the decision to call a checkdown on the final play, despite the necessity of a touchdown, was questionable. While Blough may have the potential to be an effective coordinator in the league, he doesn't appear to match this team's current needs and timeline.

Stud: WR Van Jefferson

Jefferson served as Jayden Daniels' primary target on Sunday through critical moments. He scored Washington's only touchdown and added a 21-yard reception as well as a 12-yard catch on third-and-nine to sustain a drive. Jefferson was also active in his only other game this season, and his regular presence and contributions stress his professionalism.

Dud: CBs

The primary responsibility of the cornerbacks was to contain Puka Nacua. However, Nacua recorded 14 receptions for 150 yards and a touchdown, the latter coming off an accurate pass from Matthew Stafford. Trey Amos was unable to prevent the touchdown, and the unit as a whole struggled to limit Nacua's ability to get open consistently. Nacua's statistics could have been even more impressive had he not dropped at least two passes and fumbled.

Stud: SAF Nick Cross

Although the entire secondary could be considered for criticism, Cross' performance warrants recognition. He recorded an interception in the third quarter that set up the tying field goal. Additionally, he contributed three pass breakups, a tackle for loss, and totaled eight tackles. Cross has demonstrated that he is an important contributor at the safety position.

Dud: Offensive Line

The offensive line struggled with high snaps and multiple procedural penalties, and was unable to effectively protect Jayden Daniels from Myles Garrett. Matt Gublin replaced Lucas Patrick at center due to Patrick's leaving the game with a concussion. The unit also failed to establish a productive running game, averaging only 3.2 yards per carry.

Stud: QB Jayden Daniels

Daniels completed 24 of 35 passes for 275 yards and a TD (passer rating 101.4). He fumbled late in the 2nd quarter though, which set up a Rams field goal. The offense just couldn't get going from the second quarter onwards until the final two drives when it was all on the line.

Other Studs

- K'Lavon Chasion forced a fumble late in the 2nd quarter to get Washington into plus territory and put them in position to take a two-score lead into the half.

- Chig Okonkwo caught six passes for 57 yards on 7 targets and two first downs.

Other Duds

- Odafe Oweh recorded zero tackles and only one quarterback hit on Sunday.