The Washington Commanders finally enjoyed a week off. The Commanders returned to action in Week 15 with a cross-country trip to Los Angeles to face the Rams.
Unfortunately, Washington’s luck against the Rams was much the same as before the bye week. Los Angeles jumped out to a 28-7 lead on the Commanders, but Washington stormed back late in the fourth quarter behind backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who replaced Sam Howell midway through the fourth quarter before falling 28-20.
The defense’s performance was similar to that of the previous game. While some things improved, look no further than Cooper Kupp’s 62-yard touchdown to see that the Commanders’ coverage issues are still a major problem. And it was another game in which Washington’s pass rush struggled to apply pressure on Matthew Stafford.
How did Pro Football Focus grade the Commanders?
It’s time to review PFF’s best and worst from Washington’s Week 15 game. Here are the grades.
Top 5 offense
- RG Sam Cosmi: 93.0
- QB Jacoby Brissett: 92.0
- WR Terry McLaurin: 88.0
- RT Andrew Wylie: 72.4
- LT Charles Leno Jr: 69.8
Sam Cosmi had the best game for a Washington offensive lineman all season. He had an overall grade of 93.0, with a run-blocking grade of 92.0 and a pass-blocking grade of 89.5. That’s dominance. Brissett was phenomenal on the two drives he led, both ending in touchdowns.
McLaurin had his best game of the season, ending any of the ridiculous talk that he had lost a step.
Top 5 defense
- CB Benjamin St-Juste: 81.3
- CB Kendall Fuller: 71.1
- LB Khaleke Hudson: 69.2
- LB Cody Barton: 67.1
- S Percy Butler: 65.1
Another rough game for Washington’s defense. St-Juste had one of his better outings recently, but that’s not to say he was dominant. The Commanders did a good job against Rams rookie WR Puka Nacua. Hudson led all players with 14 tackles and had a terrific overall game. He should’ve been playing more all along.
Bottom 5 offense
- WR Jahan Dotson: 53.2
- C Tyler Larsen: 51.9
- TE Logan Thomas: 43.6
- LG Chris Paul: 42.4
- LG Saaqdiq Charles: 37.4
Dotson caught one pass for 12 yards. It’s just tough to make a judgment on the receivers this season, as there are so many factors to consider. Larsen’s struggles continued, but no one struggled more than Washington’s left guards. Charles returned and picked up where he left off. The Commanders will certainly have a new left guard in 2024.
Bottom 5 defense
- DE Casey Toohill: 56.6
- DE K.J. Henry: 54.2
- DT Jonathan Allen: 51.9
- DT John Ridgeway: 51.6
- DT Phidarian Mathis: 46.7
What does this list have in common? They are all defensive linemen. Such a disappointment. From watching the TV copy, I didn’t think Henry played a bad game. Obviously, you need to see the DEs get pressure on the QB. You never saw Allen on this part of the list, but he’s been here twice recently. Not ideal. Is it too soon to call Mathis a bust?
Other notables
- QB Sam Howell: 56.4
- WR Curtis Samuel: 60.8
- RB Antonio Gibson: 65.9
- DT Daron Payne: 65.1
- S Kam Curl: 56.9
This wasn’t Howell’s best game. It wasn’t his worst game, either. But you can tell early on he was off. There was a lot of pressure in his face forcing him to leave the pocket early, but it also appeared he may have vacated the pocket early without pressure, too. Samuel had two touchdown receptions, so not sure what PFF wanted to see more from him. He’s been terrific over the last several weeks. Payne had one of his best games of the season.
