Rams beware: Jayden Daniels and Commanders could derail LAs playoff comeback
The PlaybookA blue wave swept across the country this week, and the Los Angeles Rams are hoping their own blue-and-gold wave continues rolling through the nation’s capital on Sunday.Three weeks ago, this Rams train that’s hoping the final stop is at SoFi Stadium next February, appeared to be falling off the tracks.A humiliating loss to the Arizona Cardinals dropped them to 2-4, dead last in the NFC West.Now, following consecutive victories over the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers, the Rams (4-4) have their train back on the tracks.
A third straight victory would push them above .500 for the first time this season and firmly back into the NFC playoff conversation just before their schedule is about to become the toughest in the NFL down the stretch.But the Washington Commanders want to derail this Rams train, and they might have figured out the strategy to do it after scoring 27 unanswered points last Sunday night.The Commanders (2-4-1) return to Northwest Stadium after snapping a three-game winless streak with a stunning 27-10 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.Quarterback Jayden Daniels threw for 217 yards and a touchdown, finally securing his first victory in more than 13 months.And despite their record, Dan Quinn’s Commanders aren’t waving the white flag on the season yet.Washington has been a difficult team to put away, particularly at home, where its physicality and opportunistic defense have helped compensate for an inconsistent offense.If the Rams have learned anything this season, it’s that they can’t mistake a losing record for an easy Sunday afternoon.Defensively, Los Angeles is playing its best football of the season.
The Rams have held four of their last five opponents under 22 points, including a dominant performance against the Chargers in which they intercepted Justin Herbert twice and held their crosstown rivals to three field goals without allowing a touchdown.Reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett returne...