# 3 things to watch in Washington Commanders vs. Los Angeles Rams

> Commanders need fast starts to beat Rams with Nacua threat.
- Title: 3 things to watch in Washington Commanders vs. Los Angeles…
- Summary: Commanders need fast starts to beat Rams with Nacua threat. Washington Commanders must improve first-half scoring to beat Los Angeles Rams after slow starts.
- Keywords: washington commanders, los angeles rams, puka nacua, matt stafford, sean mcvay, david blough, k'lavon chaisson, daronte jones, trey amos, The Banner
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/sports/commanders-nfl/commanders-rams-game-preview-ZT4M3GRQYVH7LC2K2GWUDSEKE4
- Author: Kevin Reynolds
- Published: 2026-11-06T19:19:48.766+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: washington commanders, los angeles rams, puka nacua, matt stafford, sean mcvay, david blough, k'lavon chaisson, daronte jones, trey amos, news, local
## Slow starts
Washington Commanders have the 17th ranked scoring offense with 22.7 points per game but are 22nd in first-half points (10).

> We needed that in that moment, somebody to speak the truth to what was going on
## Penalty issue
Washington had seven penalties in the first quarter last week, including back-to-back false starts.

> They were
## Stopping Nacua
Puka Nacua has over 500 receiving yards this year with 17 catches for 138 yards against the Buffalo Bills.

> He’s really dangerous once he has the ball in his hands
## Rams' strength
Los Angeles Rams have a star-studded roster with quarterback Matthew Stafford likely headed for the Hall of Fame.

> He’s always been on the cutting edge
## First-half challenge
Commanders scored 28 points in the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7.

> We know it’s definitely an area for us to improve on
## Defensive strategy
Defensive coordinator Daronte Jones uses two-man and three-corner defenses to counter Nacua's threat.

> It allowed us to play two-man [defense], two-corner defenses and three-corner defenses
## Trey Amos return
Trey Amos returned from injured reserve in Week 6 to help Washington's defense.

> Having him get his feet under him a little bit helps in that way
## Key takeaway

Washington Commanders must improve first-half scoring to beat Los Angeles Rams after slow starts.