Washington @ Los Angeles preview
SoFi Stadium
Last Meeting ( Oct 11, 2020 ) L.A. Rams 30, Washington 10
Much was made of two missed blocks in the back Sunday when the Baltimore Ravens walked off the Los Angeles Rams in overtime with a 76-yard punt-return touchdown by Tylan Wallace.
Whether it was to avoid a big fine from the NFL or because the film told him something fans and pundits might have overlooked, Rams coach Sean McVay took that conversation in a different direction ahead of this Sunday's visit from the Washington Commanders.
"There was a lot of opportunities to be able to make the play on that given punt return that wasn't just exclusive to the block in the back," McVay said. "We had six missed tackles on that play. I could sit here and be upset about it, but it is wasted energy."
And the Rams (6-7) certainly can't afford to waste anything else, whether it's energy or games, if they want to claim an NFC wild-card spot. They sit behind Green Bay for the final playoff berth, thanks to the Packers' 20-3 win against them last month.
The good news is that the Rams have a schedule conducive to making a playoff push. Their next three games -- Washington, New Orleans, New York Giants -- are all against losing teams. Only a season-ending trip to San Francisco could be described as daunting, and the 49ers might be resting players that day, depending on their playoff positioning.
The Rams' offense is certainly playing at a postseason level, scoring 104 points in the last three games. They had 410 yards and 31 points last week in Baltimore as Matthew Stafford threw for 294 yards and three scores while Kyren Williams rushed for 114 yards on 25 carries.
Both could enjoy big days this week against a Washington defense that has been a major disappointment. The Commanders (4-9) fired coordinator Jack Del Rio after a 45-10 Thanksgiving Day loss in Dallas but gave up another 45 two weeks ago in a 30-point home loss to Miami.
They are allowing a league-worst 30.4 points per game and gave up at least 30 points eight times in the first 13 games of the season. A closing schedule that also includes San Francisco and Dallas isn't likely to puff up the defense's stats in a positive direction.
Washington coach Ron Rivera, whose job status appears to be in jeopardy even if the team finishes strongly, is stressing the need for his squad to live up to its job title as professionals.
"Come to work, put in an honest day's hard work and then get ready for the next day, and then we'll play on Sunday," he said. "And that's going to be the whole point, guys. This is about coming in and being the professional."
Second-year quarterback Sam Howell has shown real potential at times, throwing for 3,466 yards and 18 touchdowns, but he also has 16 turnovers, 14 of them interceptions. Terry McLaurin could threaten his career-best 87 receptions with a strong finish.
However, one key player on the Commanders' offense won't play Sunday as running back Brian Robinson, who has a team-high 664 rushing yards and five touchdowns through 13 starts this season, was ruled out Friday due to a hamstring injury. Defensive end James Smith-Williams (hamstring) is also out.
Rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (elbow), who missed the last two games, practiced fully throughout the week and will be active. Guard Saahdiq Charles (calf) was activated off injured reserve and will return after missing six games.
On the Rams' injury front, wide receiver Tutu Atwell (concussion) put in a full practice Friday but is listed as questionable. Tight end Tyler Higbee (neck) also was a full participant Friday and is expected to play Sunday. Offensive tackle Rob Havenstein (groin) hasn't practiced all week and is questionable.
Washington boasts a 24-12-1 series record in regular-season matchups, although the Rams took the last meeting three years ago, 30-10.
--Field Level Media