Puka Nacua's impossible performance and other reactions to Rams' Week 9 win

In Week 9, the Los Angeles Rams traveled to Washington to take on the feisty Commanders and try to extend a midseason winning streak to three games. It was a game they needed to win, but the Commanders had already played spoiler by upsetting the Seattle Seahawks earlier in the season. The game was anything but a lock.

That's exactly the type of game the Horns needed at this point in the season. With the schedule growing increasingly competitive, LA needed to face a determined opponent, one who would not give up until the final bell. Well, Washington certainly filled that role beautifully.

The Rams were tested throughout the game. The performance gives coaches plenty to work on in practice, but the team showed plenty of positives as well. Still, an offense that seemed to score at will in 2025 was held in check. If it isn't fixed, that's going to be a problem going forward.

5 instant reactions to Rams' win over Commanders

1. Rams' offensive inconsistency continues

While the defense competed in Week 9 without both starting cornerbacks, it was the offense that struggled once more. Matthew Stafford was unable to connect consistently with any receiver not named Puka Nacua. The running backs did not rack up huge gains early. And as soon as Los Angeles fell behind, the offense began to pass far too frequently.

Even when winning, this group has faltered. Those struggles reappeared against the Commanders as LA failed to score a first-half touchdown.

The Rams tried to get Tutu Atwell involved, but he only caught one of four passes. That led to a frustrated Stafford throwing another interception on a forced target for Puka Nacua.

2. Former Rams receiver Van Jefferson headlines Commanders offense

LA's secondary suited up missing both Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie, but former Rams receiver Van Jefferson was eager to show up. He scored the game's first touchdown and made some of the Commanders' biggest gains all afternoon.

It was the type of performance that leads Rams fans to ask why Jefferson is no longer on the team. Thankfully, LA's secondary managed to keep Jefferson from a more explosive outing than he had. He finished with 5 catches on 7 targets for 58 yards and the touchdown.

3. How long can Puka Nacua carry this heavy of a workload?

At halftime, LA's offense had moved the ball just 149 yards. Nacua accounted for 86 of them, or nearly 58 percent of the offense. While that's great for him, fans have to wonder how long he can sustain that workload. Nacua was a one-man wrecking ball, making tough catches, moving the chains, and even scoring a go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.

He ended his day catching 14-of-19 targets for 150 yards - two-thirds of the passing offense. LA needs more from other players, quickly.

4. Blake Corum has been Rams' more productive back lately

While Kyren Williams continues to get the lion's share of carries, Blake Corum has provided more production in recent games. Corum scored the first Rams touchdown in this one, and his powerful strides forced the Commanders defense to stay honest.

Williams was the go-to guy in the fourth quarter, but Corum had the better overall performance in this one. Williams rushed 15 times for 45 yards, while Corum went 11 for 58 and a TD.

5. Rams' pass rush is back, baby

In his first appearance since the season opener, Garrett only needed one game to surge to second place on the team in sacks: he put up three in an inspired return. Perhaps that inspired linebacker Shaun Dolac and defensive tackle Braden Fiske to combine for a sack of their own.

The Rams' four sacks matched their best this season, in Week 4 against the Eagles. Even better, it came against a dangerous, mobile quarterback in Jayden Daniels. That's a huge boost for this defense.

The Rams needed a win. They got one. That said, the team left fans with enough questions to keep them uneasy for another week.

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