The Washington Commanders were looking to pull off another massive upset against the Los Angeles Rams. They'd already pulled off something similar by beating the Seattle Seahawks at Northwest Stadium earlier this year, and head coach Dan Quinn came into the clash with momentum after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles last time out.
This promised to be much tougher.
The Rams may have underachieved this season at 4-4, but they remain a dangerous team that has started to find form. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is the reigning NFL MVP, and Los Angeles also welcomed All-Pro edge rusher Myles Garrett back after a lengthy injury absence.
A steep task awaited the Commanders, who were also dealing with their own injury issues. Quinn isn't using it as an excuse, but Washington had to trust the next man up against a team many tipped to win the Super Bowl this year.
As it turned out, the Commanders couldn't take their opportunities, and the same problems that have blighted their season came up once again in their fifth loss of the season.
With that in mind, here are 11 instant reactions from the Commanders' defeat against the Rams.
Instant reactions to the Commanders' loss against the Rams in Week 9
John Riggins' overdue moment
A sense of celebration filled the air as iconic figure John Riggins finally had his legendary No. 44 retired by the Commanders. This was long overdue and richly deserved for a true team pillar behind some of the franchise's greatest moments.
Riggins had issues with the organization under Dan Snyder, but majority owner Josh Harris worked hard to restore the relationship. Retiring his jersey number was a small yet important part of the process, and the Pro Football Hall of Famer handled the adulation with his customary gratitude for the fans.
There will never be another No. 44 again. And there will never be another Riggins.
Commanders offensive line struggled
Nobody expected the Commanders' offensive line to have it all their own way in this one. The Rams' vaunted defensive front causes problems for anyone, and Myles Garrett's return only complicated matters.
As anticipated, the Commanders struggled to cope with Los Angeles' firepower. There were some positive moments, but their pre-snap hesitancy and inability to hold their bases against power rushes were ongoing frustrations.
It was always going to be a difficult afternoon at the office. With Garrett, Aaron Donald, and Byron Young to cope with, the Commanders' attention immediately turned to getting the football out quickly.
And they were right.
Rachaad White's strong day
Speculation has been growing around the Commanders potentially trading for a running back before the deadline. But after Rachaad White's performance against the Rams, general manager Adam Peters might want to think twice.
This was arguably White's most positive performance since joining the Commanders in free agency. He looked more explosive and decisive, even though finding running lanes was hard. However, his presence in the passing attack was the biggest positive to take from the clash.
White proved a valuable asset for Jayden Daniels. He took an early 45-yard screen, which eventually led to a Van Jefferson touchdown. And even when he didn't get targeted, the veteran made sure he had the Rams' attention.
Add us as a preferred source on Google