Frankie Luvu's presence
Big games need big players. Veteran linebacker Frankie Luvu laid down the gauntlet to his teammates all week, challenging them to stand up against high-profile opposition. He didn't want any yards after initial contact, and he was going to do what it takes to achieve this goal.
While this is almost impossible against the Los Angeles Rams, Luvu's presence was sorely needed. He spotted run plays developing quickly and used his speed and instincts to reach the point of contact. His blitzing also showed a ferocity that left a strong impression.
Luvu's importance to the Commanders remains unquestioned. And he looks well on his way to getting a new deal.
Commanders should have been further clear at half-time
The Washington Commanders came to play against a potential playoff hopeful. Their intensity and confidence immediately stood out, and you could argue they should have been leading comfortably at halftime.
Sadly, that wasn't the case. The Commanders wasted several good opportunities, including a second-quarter fumble recovery that gave them decent field position. Jayden Daniels then coughed it up almost immediately, which was a microcosm of how things went early.
The Commanders were more than in the game; there's no denying that. But they could have firmly been in the ascendancy with a little extra execution in big moments.
Instead, they were only up four.
K'Lavon Chaisson's impact
K'Lavon Chaisson is quickly becoming one of the Commanders' most impressive offseason signings. The veteran edge rusher signed a one-year deal with the promise of much more if the performances justified it. And so far, everything is proceeding as planned.
Chaisson is really starting to come into his own. His explosiveness off the snap is first-class. He is making an impact against the run, and the 2020 first-round pick out of LSU is also creating turnovers.
This is precisely what the Commanders had in mind when they brought Chaisson into the building. And he is outperforming big-money edge rusher Odafe Oweh through eight games.
Commanders had a hard time with Puka Nacua
The Rams' offensive game plan might seem complex, but it's not rocket science. With Davante Adams out, Matthew Stafford force-feeds the football to wide receiver Puka Nacua. Everyone knows it, but stopping it is something else entirely.
Washington struggled to stop Nacua all game. His physicality running with the football is renowned, and when the Rams needed a big play, Stafford almost always went to his top option.
Aside from a few bright moments, the Commanders struggled to limit Nacua's influence.
They won't be the last to experience this. But that didn't make it any less disappointing in a game decided by extremely fine margins.
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