Going against the Los Angeles Rams may be the greatest reason the Washington Commanders coaches don’t have many defenders this season.
One of the NFL’s best defenses was expected from the Washington Commanders (4-9).
No, and the Commanders’ defense suddenly ranks 32nd in league scoring. Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams (6-7), who recently scored 31 points against the NFL’s second-best defense, could be disastrous.
Washington’s problem goes beyond skill. While the Rams aren’t dominating the NFL, their ability to contend despite roster concerns supports the coaching blame.
It hasn’t only been a defensive failure. Many feel offensive top receiver Terry McLaurin is underperforming due to coaching.
This weekend’s game against the Los Angeles Rams may be the best example of ‘coaching matters’ this season, pouring lighter fluid on a raging flame.
Puka Nacua, a fifth-round rookie from Los Angeles, has 82 catches, 1,113 yards, and four touchdowns. Their numbers match or exceed Washington receivers.
The casual viewer may attribute it to playing with top receiver Cooper Kupp, although he missed four of Nacua’s productive games.
Nacua has three 100+ receiving performances and caught 39 passes in four games without Kupp.
Nacua has had two 100-yard receiving games since Kupp returned, but he remains a key offensive player for Los Angeles.
Nakua averages two yards more per reception than Washington’s leading receiver, Terry McLaurin.
Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera (right) and former defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio (left) were anticipated to produce a strong defense in 2023. One lost his job already, and the other is set to lose his at the conclusion of the season.
No, the Rams’ fifth-round rookie is doing better due to his use.
Additionally, fifth-round second-year running back Kyren Williams has 801 yards on 159 runs and seven rushing touchdowns.
One fewer carry, 137 more rushing yards, and two more touchdowns than Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. All while Robinson has played four more games this season.
Washington boasts six of Pro Football Focus’ top 10 offensive lineman in overall grade, pass blocking, and run blocking, so we can’t even blame the offensive lines.
Perhaps a quarterback issue?
Commanders quarterback Sam Howell throws the ball out at 2.79 seconds every pass, while Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford throws at 2.72. The NFL’s fastest and second-fastest throwers this season are separated by.07.
Howell leads in completion % by about five percent, but touchdown percentage is close. Howell has a five-interception edge against Stafford, but that with a five percent completion advantage shouldn’t be enough to allow a fifth-round rookie to outperform the Washington star receiver.
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Due to their ability to polish the two diamonds in the fifth-round rough, Los Angeles has seen a far higher return on its investments than others.
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