The Los Angeles Rams leaned on their biggest playmakers when it mattered most, with Puka Nacua and Myles Garrett delivering game-changing moments in a hard-fought 20-13 road victory over the Washington Commanders. In a game where momentum swung and opportunities were limited, the Rams needed their stars to step up, and both delivered in significant fashion. Nacua provided the offensive spark that helped keep the Rams moving, while Garrett continued to demonstrate why his presence alongside Aaron
Donald makes this defensive front so dangerous. Winning on the road is never easy, but the Rams found a way to make the critical plays when the game was hanging in the balance. Here are five key moments that helped Los Angeles secure another important victory.
1. Myles Garrett strips Jayden Daniels
In the first half, the Rams offense was struggling badly. Puka Nacua fumbled on 2nd & 19 after the Rams had driven 50 yards downfield. But on Washington’s next play, Myles Garrett sacked and stripped Jayden Daniels for his first sack of the day. The Rams were able to get inside the redzone and kick a field goal to cut into their deficit.
The Rams finished the first half with the football and began the second half with the ball; allowing them to wear down Washington’s defense.
2. Higbee’s catch and run sets up Corum goal line touchdown
Outside of Puka Nacua, the Rams did not get much on offense. But on their opening drive, Tyler Higbee caught a pass short right in the redzone. The play gained 13 yards and set up a Blake Corum goal line touchdown. It was the Rams longest pass play to someone not named Puka Nacua.
3. Byron Young collects 3rd & 1 stop
On Washington’s opening possession of the 2nd half, the Commanders had a very manageable 3rd & 1 but opted for a HB toss in the short yard situation. Byron Young played great containment and tripped up the ball carrier to force the 3 & out; giving the ball back to LA’s offense without much time coming off the clock.
4a. Puka’s 13th catch of the game
Typically on 3rd & longs this year, the Rams have taken the conservative route. But with the offense struggling all day and trying to find rhythm and momentum, Sean McVay dialed up a deep crosser to Puka Nacua. Nacua leaped across the middle to haul in the catch, moving the chains. It was only the Rams second 3rd down conversion of the game up to that point.
4b. Puka’s Redzone Touchdown
Had the Rams not converted, they would have been in a tough position. At the WAS 36 would have made it a difficult field goal attempt for a shaky special teams. Instead, the drive kept going. Which set up a 7 yard touchdown to Puka Nacua.
5a. Myles Garrett grabs 3rd sack
With 2:31 left in the game, Myles Garrett was trying to make his Rams impact felt. He was a little too eager at first jumping into the neutral zone which gave the Commanders five yards on 3rd down. But on the ensuing play, Garrett sacked Daniels for a 12 yard loss; setting up a 4th & 20.
5b. Emmanuel Forbes 3rd pass deflection
Emmanuel Forbes had a slow start but came on strong against his former team. On 4th & 20, Forbes was initially beat off the line but made a crucial pass deflection to force Daniels incomplete pass. The incomplete pass turned the ball over on downs back to Los Angeles and allowed LA to use another minute of clock and burn all of Washington’s timeouts under two minutes.
