Recapping the Commanders' impressive 27-10 win over the Chargers in Week 5 of NFL action.
The Washington Commanders moved to 3-2 on the season with an impressive 27-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Quarterback Jayden Daniels returned after missing the last two games, completing 15 of 26 passes for 231 yards with one touchdown.
Washington's running game was impressive again, finishing with 163 yards. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt led the way with 14 carries for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
Despite a slow start, Washington's defense forced two turnovers and did not allow the Chargers to score again after the first quarter.
Let's recap the Commanders' win:
Final score: Commanders 27, Chargers 10
Numbers to know
- 5: The Commanders sacked Justin Herbert five times, which was imperative in slowing down the Chargers' passing game. It sped up Herbert's clock and completely changed the outcome of the game.
- 8: Kicker Matt Gay made two more field goals in Sunday's win, and has now made eight consecutive attempts. Gay's bounce-back has been impressive after a rough start.
- 17: Dorance Armstrong had two more sacks and is on pace for 17 this season. Quietly, Armstrong is off to a Pro Bowl start. His pressure rates are among the NFL's best, too.
- 389: Washington finished with 389 total yards, which is impressive considering it did nothing in the first quarter. Once Jayden Daniels got settled in and the Commanders leaned on the run, the game changed. This number was even more impressive considering the Chargers were the NFL's No. 3 defense entering Week 5.
- 14: Linebacker Bobby Wagner finished with 14 tackles, his fifth consecutive game with 10 or more, which leads the NFL. The future Hall of Famer continues to deliver.
It was over when.....
It's easy to point to the Chargers' turnover in the first half as the turning point, which it was. However, there was still plenty of time left. The game truly ended in the fourth quarter when Herbert's pass was tipped by defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton into the waiting hands of cornerback Mike Sainristil at the 1-yard line. The Chargers were about to make it a one-score game, but the Commanders' defense delivered. Washington then went on a 99-yard drive to make it official.
PICKED AT THE GOAL LINE!
— NFL (@NFL) October 5, 2025
Mikey Sainristil takes it back for the @Commanders 😮
WASvsLAC on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXnxVpic.twitter.com/O16l9q2EQD
3 stars of the game, plus a bonus 4th
- QB Jayden Daniels: 15/26, 231 yards passing, one touchdown, 19 yards rushing
- RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt: 14 carries, 111 yards, two touchdowns, 2 catches, 39 receiving yards
- WR Deebo Samuel: 8 catches, 96 yards, one touchdown
- DE Dorance Armstrong: 3 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 TFLs, 2 QB hits
What's next?
The 3-2 Commanders face the 2-2 Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football in Week 6. The Bears were on a bye this week, so they'll be rested. Chicago has won its last two games after an 0-2 start. This is a rematch from last year's "Hail Mary" game, where the Commanders defeated the Bears on Daniels' touchdown pass to Noah Brown as time expired. It's also the second meeting between Daniels and Caleb Williams.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Instant analysis from 27-10 win over Chargers
Category: Football
