The Washington Commanders head into Week 9 with another NFC West test on deck, and linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson says the path to slowing the Los Angeles Rams starts with one name in particular: Puka Nacua.
Washington has already seen two teams from the division this season. The Commanders beat the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3, then fell just short against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6.
Now they get the Rams, who come in at 4-4 and sit multiple games behind the 49ers in the division race. Washington, meanwhile, is still hanging around in the NFC East picture, but the wins have to keep coming.
For Chaisson, the focus is simple.
“The main key to offense is Number 12 [Puka Nacua],” Chaisson said. “So, key in on Number 12 man and limit the explosives and catches that he can get and I think that we’ll have ourselves in good position.”
That’s the first layer. The other is Matthew Stafford, who is coming off an MVP season last year and still brings nearly 20 years of experience to the table. Chaisson knows that kind of quarterback does not rattle easily, which is why Washington plans to keep throwing different looks at him.
“Just give him as [many] different looks as possible,” Chaisson said. “He’s seen everything.
So at this point, he’s not an MVP by accident, right? So, you got to limit as much [as] possible and dirty up the show.
But, it’s going to start up front, kind of creating as much havoc as possible. Getting him off the spot, man, and shutting off one half of the field.
So, I think that’s going to be key. That’s going to be huge for the defensive line to keep that rolling from the past week and move it on this week.”
Stafford has faced Washington six times in his career and has never lost to the Commanders. If Washington can change that Sunday, it would be a history-making win.
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The timing makes it even more interesting because the Commanders are trying to keep their offensive rhythm intact while juggling the usual Week 9 injury and strategy questions. Colemans performance against Garrett could shape how much Washington can trust its protection on the perimeter, and that has obvious ripple effects for the rest of the offense. If the tackle can steady the edge, it gives the Commanders a chance to stay on schedule, but if not, Sunday could turn into a long afternoon. [Read more 🡒]
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The most encouraging stretch came in recent games, including a strong showing against the Los Angeles Rams, which gave Washington at least a little reason to pause before looking outside the roster. The Commanders are still evaluating whether the current group can do enough to keep the backfield from becoming a deadline priority, and Whites next few outings could go a long way toward shaping whether the front office feels pressure to add help. [Read more 🡒]