What happened when the Commanders last played the Rams?

On December 17, 2023, the Commanders faced the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. In a pivotal Week 15 matchup, Washington fell short with a 28-20 loss to the Rams. Trailing 28-7 late in the game, the Commanders mounted a comeback, driving 67 yards in just five plays to score a touchdown and narrow the gap to 28-14.

However, the momentum shifted when Daron Payne sacked Rams QB Matthew Stafford, pushing the ball back to the Rams' side. The Commanders' offense capitalized, marching 65 yards in nine plays, connecting on a crucial 48-yard pass from Jacoby Brissett to Terry McLaurin. With 1:46 left, Brissett found Curtis Samuel for a three-yard touchdown, but Joey Slye's subsequent extra point attempt was blocked, putting the Rams up 28-20.

The Commanders managed to recover Slye's onside kick, but Kyren Williams' subsequent four-yard run enabled the Rams to secure a first down and run out the clock. Earlier in the game, the Rams dominated with a 13-0 first half, extending their lead to 20-0 in the third quarter thanks to a lengthy touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Cooper Kupp.

Washington scored once in the third quarter through a 19-yard touchdown from Sam Howell to Curtis Samuel, making the score 20-7. The Rams continued their offensive prowess, with Stafford finding Demarcus Robinson for a 23-yard touchdown, extending their lead to 28-7. In a bid to rally, Brissett threw for 124 yards and two touchdowns in his second appearance of the game, showcasing a 157.9 Passer Rating.

Starter Sam Howell, however, struggled with an 11-of-26 completion for 102 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, resulting in a 50.5 Passer Rating. Terry McLaurin stood out for the Commanders with 6 receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown. The win propelled the Rams to a 7-7 record, while the Commanders suffered their fourth loss of the season, marking Head Coach Ron Rivera's last season.