For the fourth time this season, the Los Angeles Rams had to face a team coming off a bye. In the first three games, the Rams lost, but they didn’t suffer the same fate on Sunday against the Washington Commanders.
The Rams handled their business by beating the Commanders, 28-20, a game that should not have been as close as the final score was. Los Angeles was in complete control all game long until the Commanders scored two quick touchdowns in the final eight minutes to make it a one-score game.
All that matters is the Rams came away with a win, improving their record to 7-7 and moving them into the seventh seed in the NFC. Here’s what we learned from the win at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.
1
Uncharacteristic fumbles shouldn't overshadow Kyren Williams' play
Williams undoubtedly cost the Rams some points on Sunday when he coughed up two fumbles in Commanders territory, but he also helped Los Angeles put up 28 points with his hard running and elusiveness. He rushed for 152 yards on 27 carries, scoring yet another touchdown.
His running at the end of the game was clutch, as well. After the Commanders cut the lead to eight points, Williams carried it five times for 21 yards to ice the game, forcing the Commanders to burn all of their timeouts after the Rams picked up a much-needed first down to maintain possession.
The fumbles weren’t ideal, but don’t let those atypical mistakes cloud a great performance.
2
Demarcus Robinson keeps showing up on offense
Robinson touched the ball a total of three times on Sunday, yet he had 67 total yards (44 receiving, 23 rushing) and a touchdown. It’s the third straight game he’s scored a touchdown, emerging as the unquestioned No. 3 receiver on offense.
He has good speed and has displayed sharp route running, which allows him to create a lot of separation for his quarterback. His 23-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference in the game, and he should continue getting plenty of looks down the stretch.
3
Matthew Stafford was surgical once again
For the fourth week in a row, Stafford threw multiple touchdown passes, tossing two in Sunday’s win over the Commanders. He now has 12 touchdown passes in his last four games, throwing only one interception in that span.
He’s playing like one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL right now, putting together yet another fantastic performance — albeit, against a terrible pass defense. He made some impressive throws, including a flat-footed sidearm bullet to Tyler Higbee, and didn’t miss a wide-open Cooper Kupp for a 62-yard score.
4
Red zone efficiency must improve
The Rams should have won this game by at least 20 points. Not only did Williams’ fumbles hurt, but they went just 1-for-3 in the red zone, which includes a 1-for-3 clip in goal-to-go scenarios. That’s a terrible conversion rate, in part because of Sean McVay’s play calling.
He goes away from Williams, one of the best red zone backs in the NFL, far too quickly at times, especially when it’s the running game that helps get the Rams into the red zone. Given the Rams’ issues at kicker, they can’t afford to keep settling for field goals. They need to improve in the red zone and score touchdowns to widen the gap between them and their opponent.
5
Lucas Havrisik's job may be in danger ⦠again
Havrisik made both of his first-half chip shots from 22 yards and 27 yards, but when he was finally tested from 43 yards out in the fourth quarter, he missed badly to the right. It's been an issue throughout his time with the Rams, pushing longer kicks wide right.
That 43-yarder would've put the Rams up 24 points, but instead, he missed and set up the Commanders with good field position. Washington turned the miss into a quick touchdown, cutting the Rams' lead to just 14 points.
Havrisik had a great performance last week, causing Mason Crosby to be cut from the practice squad, but the Rams might need to re-think their commitment to Havrisik.
