Commanders Fall Short Against Rams After Late Drives Stall

The Commanders had a chance to revive their playoff push after the bye, but their offense could not convert late opportunities in a 20-13 home loss to the Rams on November 8. Washington is now 2-5-1 and trails the NFC East-leading Giants by three games ahead of their meeting on November 12.

Los Angeles receiver Puka Nacua repeatedly troubled Washington’s defense, finishing with 14 catches for 150 yards on 19 targets. His fourth-quarter touchdown catch in the back of the end zone put the Rams ahead in a tie game.

Washington’s third-down struggles continued. The Commanders converted only two of 10 attempts, and their two late drives ended without a tying score. With about eight minutes left, Jayden Daniels missed Antonio Williams on third-and-6. On a later possession near midfield, Daniels was sacked for a 12-yard loss on third down, ending the comeback bid.

The offense had entered the game converting third downs at a 32 percent rate, the second-lowest mark in the league. Other missed chances included a Daniels throw to Diggs and a dropped pass by Rachaad White on third down.

Washington found ways to use short passes as a substitute for a conventional rushing attack, which averaged 3.5 yards per carry for much of the game. White caught a short pass for 45 yards to set up a touchdown, while Austin Ekeler gained 12 on a dump-off. Daniels completed 23 of 34 passes for 258 yards. The Commanders next face the Giants on November 12.