By Ron Johnson
Rams 28 – Commanders 20
We all thought the Rams were done. But the Rams made it clear that they are not done yet. In fact, they not only are not done, but they are in the hunt for the postseason.
After today, they are driving for the postseason.
Matthew Stafford completed 25 of his 33 passes for 258 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while Kyren Williams lit up the ground with 152 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries as the Los Angeles Rams staved off the comeback attempt of the Washington Commanders 28-20 to not only move to 7-7 on the season but also overtake Green Bay for the final spot in the Wild Card following their loss to Tampa Bay earlier today.
Cooper Kupp was back to his usual shenanigans as he snagged eight catches for 111 yards and a wide open touchdown due to some obvious blown coverage from Washington. Red-Hot rookie Puka Nacua tacked on 50 yards on five catches in the victory for LA, while Ernest Jones got the lone sack for the defense.
Despite the heavy lead that the Rams had going into the fourth, the Commanders were not about to roll over and die just yet. After the inconsistency from Sam Howell, including the interception to John Johnson III led to a change in QB for Washington as journeyman Jacoby Brissett was able to bring the Commanders back to within contention.
The Commanders were unable to get the ball on an onside kick attempt following Brissett’s second touchdown of the game, and the Rams were able to run out the rest of the clock.
With the playoffs a few weeks away, the Rams now find themselves in the conversation with a very winnable schedule for the next two at least. Los Angeles is now 7-7 with a Thursday night showdown incoming against the Saints followed by a pair of road trips to end the season against the Giants and the Niners. A win in two of their last three could punch their ticket to the postseason. And after the way the season started for them, it is safe to say that just being in the conversation for them is just as good as anything.
Next up for the Rams is their final home game against the Saints, while Washington will lock up with the New York Jets, who got shut out and lost Zack Wilson to a concussion earlier in the day against Miami.
