The Washington Commanders enter a critical Sunday afternoon showdown against the Los Angeles Rams, looking for back-to-back wins for the first time in 2026. Daronte Jones' defense has one primary objective in pursuit of victory.
The Rams have underachieved this season. However, they're back to .500 and are getting all-universe edge rusher Myles Garrett back after the marquee trade acquisition underwent knee surgery.
Head coach Dan Quinn's squad has to win to keep their momentum rolling and their NFC East title hopes alive. And to do so, their number one mission is simple.
Commanders cannot let Puka Nacua kill them after the catch
Stop prolific wide receiver Puka Nacua.
With Davante Adams out, Nacua will get the ball early and often. He's a volume machine as it is, and quarterback Matthew Stafford might target him 20 times against Washington's inconsistent defense.
But linebacker Frankie Luvu has a clear mission: limit the fourth-year star's production after the catch.
"No yards after contact"
— Marshall Kramsky (@marshallkramsky) November 5, 2026
Frankie Luvu shared the Commanders defensive insight before facing the Rams this Sunday. pic.twitter.com/DbzFYh0wvh
It's okay to let Nacua rack up some dink-and-dunk yardage. But his ability to break tackles and add chunks after the catch truly kills you, as any defense can attest.
That's where the Commanders' second- and third-levels are going to need to bring their best against the two-time Pro Bowler. Luvu will be at the forefront, and rookie phenom Sonny Styles will also play a significant role whenever Nacua looks to make his typically punishing runs.
Frankie Luvu and Sonny Styles will be key to stopping Puka Nacua
Nacua is the Rams' security blanket. He always seems to find a way to get open, and he can make contested grabs as well as anyone in the league. It doesn't matter who you put on him; he's going to snag a few balls.
But the Commanders will need to make Stafford uncomfortable and force the rest of the Rams' offense to beat them, too.
Last year's NFL Most Valuable Player has been shaky with eight interceptions this season. Washington has been impressive at forcing takeaways under Jones' guidance over the first seven contests.
As long as Nacua is limited to a small handful of yards here and there, it won't be enough to beat the Commanders alone. However, if he rips off some highlight-reel score with multiple broken tackles, Washington will be in trouble.
If anything, holding Nacua in check will do wonders for the confidence of the Commanders' defense. It's embarrassing when the opposing team's superstar makes you look silly, and it can spiral into a team-wide meltdown.
Washington can't afford to have a meltdown against the Rams. Let Nacua take what he's given, but nothing more.
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