Rams Beat Commanders 20-13 in Landover

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 26 of 43 passes for 219 yards and an interception as his team defeated the Washington Commanders 20-13 on Sunday in Landover, Md. The victory moved the Rams to a 5-4 record, marking the first time they have finished above .500 this season.

Wide receiver Puka Nacua served as the primary target for Stafford, catching 14 passes for 150 yards and a touchdown. He was targeted on 19 of the 43 attempts. The only score of the first half came early in the second quarter when Van Jefferson caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.

The Commanders held a 10-6 lead at halftime after a defensive stand forced a Rams field goal as the first half expired. Washington finished with a 2-6-1 record despite Daniels throwing for 274 yards. The team lost top wideout Terry McLaurin for the season and played without Treylon Burks, which limited the consistency of their passing attack.

Rams defensive end Myles Garrett made his return from a seven-game absence due to a knee injury. He recorded three sacks and a forced fumble in his first action since the season opener in Australia. Garrett stripped the ball from Daniels late in the first half to set up a short field goal by kicker Brandon McManus.

The Rams defense forced a punt or turnover on five consecutive Commanders drives in the second half. That streak ended when Nick Cross intercepted a pass from Stafford. Washington gained only 9 yards on the subsequent four plays and kicked a field goal. That score was the only points Washington added in the final 44 minutes.

Nacua broke a 13-13 tie early in the fourth quarter with a 7-yard touchdown. He made a leaping, contested catch in the corner of the end zone. Coach Sean McVay noted that the team had to find a way to extend drives despite missing offensive opportunities. He praised Stafford for leading the team down the field after a turnover.

Coach Dan Quinn called the loss frustrating for the Commanders, who failed to capitalize on stops. The team ends its scoreless stretch only to face the New York Giants on Thursday night. Quinn said the team must play all three phases together as they try to salvage their season.

Rams guard Steve Avila left the game with a hamstring injury and did not return. Commanders guard Lucas Patrick was ruled out with a concussion, and cornerback Amik Robertson was injured midway through the fourth quarter and did not return. The Rams will travel to Arizona next Sunday, while the Commanders host the Giants in a divisional matchup.