Commanders face short week against Giants after loss to Rams

Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn says his team must combine good plays into a single, consistent performance. He made the point on Monday, one day after Washington fell to the Los Angeles Rams. The loss leaves the Commanders with little time to prepare for a road game against the New York Giants.

The Commanders dropped the game 20-13 on Sunday. Their record now stands at two wins, five losses, and one tie. The team travels to New York on Thursday night to face the Giants, who lead the NFC East. Quinn noted that the Commanders sit three games behind New York in the division standings. Washington previously played the Giants this season and finished that game in a tie.

Quinn stated that he has seen the arrow point up in different areas with different players. He said he is looking for consistent football all the way through. He described the team's current output as a mix of halves, quarters, and good plays that need to be put together. He said he is chasing consistency more than anything else right now.

The offense stalled during the middle two quarters against the Rams. Los Angeles took control as the game wore on. A familiar end-of-game sequence raised questions about coaching and execution. Washington had two plays from the Rams 31-yard line but did not throw a pass into the end zone. Quinn said he is tired of repeating the same message and will not back off. He said the team must nail down performances that are either self-inflicted or inconsistent.

The rush defense provided a bright spot. Rams running backs Blake Corum and Kyren Williams combined for 26 carries and 103 yards. They scored one touchdown. Los Angeles relied heavily on receiver Puka Nacua to score 20 points. The Commanders' rushing offense struggled in comparison.

Running back Rachaad White carried the ball seven times for 28 yards. Austin Ekeler added 16 yards on eight carries. The team's longest run of the day was a 14-yard gain by White. Quarterback Jayden Daniels has limited options in the passing game due to injuries. The Commanders need a reliable rushing attack to balance the offense.

Wide receiver Van Jefferson stepped up during the game. He caught five of seven targets for 58 yards. He scored a touchdown, which was his first of the season. His performance comes as a host of injuries at the receiver position limits other options. Offensive coordinator David Blough struggled to move the ball after the team's opening two drives.

Washington took a 10-3 lead early in the game. After that, the team punted four times. They fumbled once and kicked a field goal on a drive that netted just 9 yards following a turnover. The loss to the Rams extends a pattern of inconsistency that Quinn has addressed for weeks.

Cornerback Amik Robertson has an ankle injury. Quinn said the team is optimistic that Robertson can play on Thursday. Wide receiver Treylon Burks sat out the game with a foot injury. Quinn said Tuesday's practice will be a big day for Burks, who could return this week. The Commanders aim to beat the Giants this time, rather than simply avoiding a loss as they did earlier in the season.