The final stats paint a better picture of how the game went for Washington. The Rams cruised out to 445 yards of offense, fueled by 152 rushing yards from Kyren Williams and 258 yards from Matthew Stafford, who started the day with 12 consecutive completions. They converted 9-of-16 third down attempts, compared to just 3-of-14 for the Commanders, and averaged 6.1 yards on 73 plays.

The only time Washington’s offense consistently came to life was in the fourth quarter, when the score was well out of hand and Jacoby Brissett was in at quarterback for Sam Howell, who wrapped up the day with 102 yards on 11 completions. Even then, however, the unit struggled to execute and finish drives. The Commanders were inside the Rams’ 10-yard line, including four plays at the 1, for three game minutes before getting in the end zone.

A quick touchdown would have given hope to the flickering flames that represented Washington’s chances at tying the score. Instead, that chance was extinguished with a score finally coming with 1:46 left in regulation and a failed onside kick attempt.

It’s not as if Washington didn’t have chances to get on the board earlier or even take a lead. The defense held up inside their own 5-yard line on the Rams’ opening drive to force a field goal, and the unit forced its first turnovers since Week 9 with two fumble recoveries inside their own territory.