Takeaways: Commanders OL Struggles, Puka Nacua, Van Jefferson

The Washington Commanders dropped a game they had to find a way to win, instead allowing the Los Angeles Rams to walk out of Northwest Stadium following a 20-13 finish. Breaking down everything you need to know from the latest loss with Washington now sitting 2-5-1 ahead of a Thursday night matchup against the New York Giants

Rachaad White Shines Early, Then Disappears

The Commanders' rushing attack had something to prove in week nine. It started well, all thanks to Rachaad White.

The Commanders' first drive featured a nifty run from White, who escaped Aaron Donald in the backfield to pick up six yards instead. That foreshadowed the rest of the first half after delivering the game's first big play, opening the second quarter by taking a screen 45 yards to set the offense up inside the redzone. 

White then broke loose for a 14 yard run on the first play of the drive midway through the second quarter, pushing the offense near midfield on a drive that stalled. White was also an asset in pass blocking, including a chip against Myles Garrett on third down midway through the third quarter, even if it didn't end up in a conversion for Washington's offense. 

That's what makes his lack of usage in the second half even more frustrating after picking up two yards on a run in the opening series of the third quarter, followed by a quick pass that ended in a four yard loss, eventually leading to Drew Stevens' second field goal of the day. White ended his day with 28 rushing yards on just seven carries, in addition to 41 yards on two catches.

New WR Emerges

Washington entered kickoff with just two wide receivers on the roster who recorded a catch from quarterback Jayden Daniels in a regular season game in 2026. While Stefon Diggs and rookie Antonio Williams already had big roles in the passing game, Sunday marked a chance for someone new to emerge. Enter Van Jefferson.

The veteran led the team with 58 receiving yards on five catches and seven targets, the most since week five in 2025 with the Tennessee Titans, yet it was how it happened that made him stick out.

Facing a key third down inside ten minutes, it was Van Jefferson who came down with the catch before splitting two Rams' defenders to pick up the first down. It was one of three first downs that Van Jefferson was responsible for, including a big play to give the offense hope in the closing minutes of the game.

With Washington getting one last shot with less than six minutes left, it was Van Jefferson who came down with a 21 yard catch that pushed the offense into Rams’ territory.

In a game where tight end Chig Okonkwo eclipsed 50 receiving yards for the third time in his last four appearances, while Stefon Diggs struggled with drops early, Van Jefferson proved to be the most efficient receiver for Daniels while tying a team-high seven targets.

Puka Nacua Proves No Match

Despite defensive coordinator Daronte Jones noting there were ways to limit the explosive plays from Puka Nacua, that didn't come to fruition as the All Pro wide receiver finished with a season-high 150 receiving yards on 14 catches and 19 targets.

At times, Nacua was able to find the soft spots in Washington's defense after accounting for eight of the Rams' 14 first downs, including two fourth down conversions.

The Commanders were able to slow the Rams in the first half after outside linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson registered a beautiful punch out on Nacua, leading to the game's first turnover before Daniels fumbled two plays later.

Nacua also delivered the game-winning touchdown after connecting with Matt Stafford on a seven yard touchdown in the corner of the endzone and cornerback Trey Amos in good coverage, highlighting just how tough the matchup was going to be for the Commanders' defense. Still, Nacua became the fourth wide receiver to record at least 100 receiving yards in a game against Washington's defense in 2026.

It marked a deflating reality for the Commanders' defense, who held the Rams to 3-of-14 on third downs and held the running backs to under four yards per carry on 26 attempts, in addition to 4.7 yards per play. 

Offensive Line Struggles vs. Strong Rams DL

Washington's offensive line has had its ups and downs throughout the 2026 season, yet Sunday may have been the toughest assignment of all.

With the return of Myles Garrett paired with Aaron Donald and Byron Young in the Rams' front seven, Washington would have its hands full as the Rams amassed four sacks and six TFLs, marking the most allowed since the deflating week five tie against the Giants.

The unit did draw criticism for a delay of game on a critical fourth down attempt with nearly eight minutes left, forcing the offense off the field as Tress Way pinned the Rams at their own 12 yard line on the punt. Yet the overall criticism stemmed from the unit's play.

Brandon Coleman struggled mightily against Myles Garrett, before then attacking rookie Matt Gulbin for one of the team's four sacks. Garrett also proved no match when forcing Jayden Daniels into a fumble, one of two fumbles in the loss. Though Aaron Donald was limited to one tackle, his pressure against the offensive line was part of why Rachaad White chipped in on pass blocking.

Add in Lucas Patrick ruled out at halftime due to a concussion, leading Gulbin over Nick Allegretti to replace him at center, the Commanders' offensive line has even more questions to answer ahead of a week ten matchup against the New York Giants' front seven.

Last Play Criticism

With 52 seconds left and 85 yards to go, the Commanders' offense had life in one last chance. That was made possible by a 42 yard catch and run from Stefon Diggs before a 12 yard pass to UDFA Jaden Bradley pushed the offense outside of the Rams' 30 yard line.

Yet with one last play and three seconds left, Daniels instead turned to tight end Chig Okonkwo for a five yard completion, well outside of the endzone let alone redzone before a pair of laterals and subsequent fumble ended the game. Daniels noted postgame he executed the play call following questions why Washington would opt for a play that doesn't even give the receivers a chance at a score.

It marked the latest question mark for David Blough to answer through a rocky first season as offensive coordinator.

Other notes

- LB K'Lavon Chaisson recorded a new single-season career high after recording his third forced fumble of the season, becoming the first to amass three since Cole Holcomb in 2019

- QB Jayden Daniels passed Brad Johnson for tenth all-time in franchise history in completions

- RB Rachaad White's 45 yard catch was the longest by a Washington RB since Brian Robinson Jr. recorded a 51 yard catch in week ten in 2023

- LB Frankie Luvu recorded a team-high 15 tackles, his first double digit tackle game of the season and most since week 11 in 2024