Once is luck…. twice is a what again? Washington had a season saving or resetting win last week over the Philadelphia Eagles last week on Sunday Night Football (19 million viewers by the way). Today would be the day to put legitimate pressure on the NFC East leading New York Giants with their Thursday Night matchup looming this week. The Los Angeles Rams present a different challenge that the Eagles. Head Coach Sean McVay brings his innovative offense lead by the reigning MVP Matthew Stafford.  However the Rams are nursing a lot of injuries and the typical challenge of the West Coast Team playing the early east coast game. Here are my three keys for Washington to defeat the Rams.

1. Attack Their Secondary

It is possible that the Rams are without three of their four starting defensive backs. Raheem Morris, who also coached with Dan Quinn, plays an aggressive defense but how much of that can he do today? Now Washington is without McLaurin, Burks, and Brown, but Stephon Diggs, Antonio Williams, and Chig Okonkwo can do plenty of damage. Some deep shots will relieve the rams pressure up front from their defensive line. The best defense is a good offense correct? Washington was superb doing this against the Eagles so duplicating that game plan can work.

2. Hit Matt Stafford

Washington was successful generating pressure last week against the Eagles. The Rams has also struggled with Stafford getting hit this season and their 83% rate last week was outstanding. Stafford is a veteran but has limited mobility. They will look for WR Puka Nacua a ton so he must be the focus. Landing hits on Stafford will add to the wear and tear on him. Communication was better with defense last week so Steve Wilks is working in whatever role he is. The goal needs to be four sacks and eight QB hits.

3. Keep Jayden Upright

Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett (of course he returns today) are all you need to know. Washington needs to keep Daniels upright by doing two things. First run the ball at Donald and Garrett. Be the hammer going at those two and wear them down. Secondly, run Jayden to the outside on bootlegs and designed runs and get those two going laterally. Raheem Morris will bring pressure so some screens and middle hot routes as well. Jayden has been exceptional at protecting himself and if the offensive line can keep him upright Washington has a great chance.

Prediction

I see a very close game coming down to the last possession. Washington is undefeated at home ( 2 wins and a tie) and I think Washington keeps that going. Commanders 24, Rams 20.