Takeaways from Commanders’ Runaway Week 5 Win Over Chargers

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Dan Quinn believes his staff is lastly headed in the precise route.

After scuffling by a 2-2 begin to the season that included dropping his sensible beginning quarterback Jayden Daniels to a sprained knee for 2 video games, the Washington Commanders lastly regarded just like the staff that superior to the NFC Championship recreation within the LSU product’s first recreation again from harm – and his first time taking part in in Southern California as a professional.

“It means rather a lot,” Daniels stated about taking part in again house. “I’ve dreamt of moments like this to play in entrance of my household in my hometown. Whether or not that was right here or wherever else I used to be blessed sufficient to get drafted to.”

1. Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s large day 

Whereas Daniels was the headliner, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt introduced his presence to the remainder of the league with 111 speeding yards and two landing – the primary time he topped 100 yards in his professional profession. Croskey-Merritt’s lone mistake was fumbling on the opening play of the fourth quarter with Chargers defensive lineman Teair Tart recovering. Nevertheless, the Commanders nonetheless saved the Chargers out of the tip zone when cornerback Mike Sainristil intercepted Justin Herbert on the aim line.

[Related: Jacory Croskey-Merritt Wins Tom Brady’s LFG Player of the Game]

After a powerful coaching camp, Washington traded Brian Robinson to the San Francisco 49ers to open up extra taking part in time for Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round pick of Arizona whose nickname is Invoice. However the win towards the Chargers was the primary time head coach Dan Quinn gave Croskey-Merritt the lion’s share of the carries.

“I could make performs when my title is known as,” Croskey-Merritt stated when requested what his breakout efficiency confirmed the league. “Clearly, I’ve bought a whole lot of work to do. However I really feel like that is only the start, and I really feel like I’ve bought much more to point out.”

Tom Brady’s LFG Participant of the Sport: Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt 🏆 Week 5 DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE

2. Quentin Johnston’s fumble turns into the turning level

Down 10-0 with 8:58 within the second quarter and the Chargers driving, Johnston caught a cross over the center of Washington’s protection and turned as much as get extra yards. Nevertheless, Commanders security Quan Martin delivered a giant hit, knocking the ball unfastened with teammate Marshon Lattimore recovering at Washington’s 26-yard line. 

The Commanders turned that miscue right into a Croskey-Merritt 15-yard landing run and by no means regarded again, scoring 27 unanswered factors. Quinn referred to as the play the turning level.

“I felt just like the turnover was the large shift within the recreation,” Quinn stated. “It was intentional for us to guarantee that we wished to return out and play with the precise perspective, the precise boldness about how we undergo it.

“None of us had been happy with how we began final week. So, we wished to verify it was an perspective we’d display proper off the bat.” 

3. Justin Herbert operating for canopy 

The Chargers performed with a makeshift offensive line that failed to guard their franchise quarterback. 

Herbert entered Sunday’s contest being pressured a league-high 73 instances. Towards the Commanders, Herbert was sacked 5 instances and hit 9 instances.

Los Angeles misplaced two extra offensive linemen to accidents through the recreation: proper deal with Trey Pipkins (knee) and proper guard Mekhi Becton (hand), together with rookie operating again Omarion Hampton, who was seen leaving the locker room with a strolling boot defending an injured left ankle. 

The Bolts already had beginning offensive tackles Rashawn Slater (out for the season) and Joe Alt unavailable attributable to accidents and struggled to guard Herbert. Nevertheless, head coach Jim Harbaugh believes the offensive line woes are fixable.

“When issues are taking place outdoors the staff’s character, we’ll concentrate on these points,” Harbaugh stated.

4. Omarion Hampton struggles after back-to-back productive efforts

Hampton had 294 scrimmage yards during the last two video games coming into Sunday’s contest towards Washington. Nevertheless, the North Carolina product was held to simply 44 speeding yards on 12 carries and completed with one other 26 receiving yards earlier than leaving the sport with an ankle harm.

Per Subsequent Gen Stats, Hampton gained 81.8% of his speeding yards after forcing a missed deal with, the third-highest charge in a recreation this season (min. 10 carries).

With the Chargers struggling to guard Herbert, having Hampton out for an prolonged interval may additional restrict the offense. 

4 ½. Keenan Allen makes historical past

Keenan Allen is the sixteenth participant in NFL historical past to surpass 1000 profession receptions.

One of many lone brilliant spots for the Chargers was the play of Allen. The 33-year-old Cal product completed with 5 catches for 58 yards, surpassing Marvin Harrison Sr. to grow to be the quickest participant in NFL historical past to succeed in 1,000 profession receptions. 

Allen is the sixteenth participant in NFL historical past to surpass 1000 profession receptions. Allen reached the mark in profession recreation 159, eight fewer than the Corridor of Famer Harrison (167).

“It was enjoyable,” Allen stated about reaching the milestone. “I’m simply stacking, persevering with to try to be constant. Ensuring I’m there when the quarterback appears my approach and attempting to return down with it.”

Eric D. Williams has reported on the NFL for greater than a decade, masking the Los Angeles Rams for Sports activities Illustrated, the Los Angeles Chargers for ESPN and the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma Information Tribune. Observe him on X at @eric_d_williams.

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