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Washington Commanders vs Chargers Match Player Stats: Full Breakdown and Insights
Introduction to the Washington Commanders vs Chargers Match
The Washington Commanders faced the Los Angeles Chargers on October 5, 2025, in a Week 5 NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The Commanders won 27-10 after trailing early. This match showed the Commanders’ ability to come back strong, scoring 27 points without reply after the first quarter. Fans saw standout plays from players like Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jayden Daniels. This blog post covers Washington Commanders vs Chargers match player stats in detail, including team numbers, individual efforts, and key moments. It aims to give readers a full picture of what happened on the field. The game drew 71,021 attendees under sunny 74°F weather, broadcast on FOX. Both teams entered with 3-2 records, making it a close contest on paper. The Commanders played as +3 underdogs with a 48.5 point total, but they beat expectations with a solid second-half push.
Game Overview and Quarter-by-Quarter Recap
The game started with the Chargers in control. In the first quarter, they scored 10 points while holding the Commanders to zero. Justin Herbert connected with Ladd McConkey for a 2-yard touchdown pass, followed by Cameron Dicker’s 55-yard field goal. This early lead came from strong drives, including a 9-play, 76-yard march for the touchdown. The Commanders struggled to move the ball at first, facing pressure from the Chargers’ defense. By the end of the quarter, the score stood at 0-10, putting the Commanders in a hole they would need to climb out of quickly. As the second quarter began, the Commanders found their rhythm. Jacory Croskey-Merritt scored a 15-yard rushing touchdown to cut the lead, and Matt Gay added a 29-yard field goal just before halftime. This tied the game at 10-10. The Chargers failed to add points in this period, marking the start of their scoring drought.
In the third quarter, the Commanders took over. Croskey-Merritt added another touchdown with a 5-yard run, pushing the score to 17-10. Gay followed with a 36-yard field goal, extending the lead to 20-10. The Chargers’ offense stalled, with no points scored. Key plays included long gains that set up scoring chances for Washington. Their defense also stepped up, limiting Herbert’s options and forcing shorter possessions. The fourth quarter sealed the win for the Commanders. Jayden Daniels threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Deebo Samuel Sr., making it 27-10. An interception by Mike Sainristil off Herbert helped stop any Chargers comeback. The Commanders controlled the clock and avoided mistakes, ending with 27 unanswered points after the early deficit.
Team Statistics Comparison
Overall team stats highlight why the Commanders won. They gained 389 total yards compared to the Chargers’ 336. This edge came from a balanced attack, with 226 passing yards and 163 rushing yards for Washington, against 181 passing and 155 rushing for Los Angeles. First downs favored the Commanders at 22 to 18, showing better drive sustainability. Turnovers played a big role too, with the Commanders committing just one while forcing two from the Chargers. Time of possession went to the Chargers at 34:19 versus 25:41, but Washington made their time count more with efficient scoring. Penalties hurt the Chargers more, with 10 flags for 85 yards against the Commanders’ 7 for 48 yards. On third downs, the Chargers converted 5 of 7 in the game but ranked fifth in the NFL seasonally at 44.4%. The Commanders were 2 of 7, reflecting their 32.6% season rate, which is 27th league-wide. These numbers show how Washington’s fewer mistakes and better yardage led to victory despite less ball control.
Defensively, the Commanders recorded five sacks while allowing only one. This pressure disrupted Herbert’s rhythm, leading to the interception. The Chargers’ red zone turnover was their first since September 21, costing them points. Opening drive efficiency saw the Chargers score a touchdown, aligning with their 75% rate (second in NFL), but the Commanders failed theirs, matching their 25% mark (27th). Rushing plays of 20+ yards: Commanders had six seasonally (first in NFL), Chargers four (eighth). Scoring broke down as Commanders with 10 in the second, 10 in the third, and 7 in the fourth, while Chargers managed all 10 in the first.
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Player Statistics: Passing Performance
Jayden Daniels led the Commanders’ passing game, completing 15 of 26 attempts for 231 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. His key throw was the 8-yard touchdown to Deebo Samuel Sr. in the fourth quarter, which iced the game. Daniels also added 39 rushing yards, showing his dual-threat ability. This performance marked his fourth passing touchdown of the season. His return from injury was crucial, as he managed the game well under pressure, avoiding sacks and turnovers. On the Chargers’ side, Justin Herbert went 22 of 29 for 166 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. His touchdown came early, a 2-yard pass to Ladd McConkey. Herbert completed 10 straight passes at one point in the third quarter and had a 41-yard run, his second 20+ yard rush this year. With eight seasonal passing touchdowns, he showed skill, but the interception by Sainristil hurt. He also rushed for 60 yards, leading his team in that category.
Player Statistics: Rushing Efforts
Jacory Croskey-Merritt starred in rushing for the Commanders, carrying 14 times for 111 yards and two touchdowns. His scores were a 15-yard run in the second and a 5-yard in the third. This was his first 100-yard game of his career and season, bringing his total touchdowns to four (three rushing). His efforts powered the comeback, breaking tackles and gaining key yards. Jayden Daniels supported with 39 yards, adding mobility to the attack. For the Chargers, Omarion Hampton had 12 carries for 44 yards, but injuries limited options. Justin Herbert led with 60 yards, including a 41-yard scamper. The team’s 155 total rushing yards were solid but not enough against Washington’s defense. Hampton’s ankle injury in the game added to their woes, as the run game couldn’t sustain drives after the first quarter.
Player Statistics: Receiving Highlights
Deebo Samuel Sr. paced the Commanders’ receivers with eight catches for 96 yards and one touchdown. His 8-yard score from Daniels in the fourth was pivotal. Samuel now has four touchdowns this season (three receiving). Luke McCaffrey added a 50-yard catch, his second 30+ yard reception this year. Jacory Croskey-Merritt also contributed as a receiver, though specific yards aren’t detailed. Keenan Allen led the Chargers with five receptions for 58 yards. Ladd McConkey caught the 2-yard touchdown from Herbert, his first of the season. The receiving group struggled after the early score, with the interception limiting chances. Overall, the Chargers’ 181 passing yards reflected limited big plays.
Player Statistics: Defensive Contributions
The Commanders’ defense shone, with Dorance Armstrong recording two sacks among the team’s five. Mike Sainristil had the key interception off Herbert, his second of the season. This unit forced two turnovers while only giving up one, shifting momentum. They held the Chargers scoreless after the first quarter, a big factor in the win. Chargers’ defense managed one sack but couldn’t stop the rush. No standout individual stats beyond the team sack, but they started strong by forcing no points on the Commanders’ opening drive.
Kicking and Special Teams Stats
Matt Gay was perfect for the Commanders, hitting field goals from 29 and 36 yards, plus three extra points. His kicks added 10 points, crucial in building the lead. Cameron Dicker for the Chargers made a 55-yard field goal and one extra point, accounting for seven of their 10 points. No punting or return stats stand out, but special teams played clean without major errors.
Impact of Injuries on the Game
Injuries hit both teams hard. The Commanders placed many on IR before the game, including Tyler Biadasz (ankle, knee), Sam Cosmi (concussion), and Zach Ertz (torn ACL). During the match, no new major issues arose, allowing key players like Daniels to perform. The Chargers suffered too, with Omarion Hampton (left ankle) and others like Joe Alt (ankle surgery) out. This thinned their lines, contributing to the defensive collapse and offensive struggles. These absences forced adjustments, like relying on backups, which affected depth and stamina.
Key Moments That Shaped the Outcome
Several plays turned the tide. The Chargers’ early touchdown and field goal set a 10-0 lead, but Croskey-Merritt’s first score sparked the rally. His second touchdown gave Washington the edge. Sainristil’s interception in the fourth prevented a Chargers response. Daniels’ touchdown pass to Samuel locked it in. These moments, plus the 27 unanswered points, defined the Commanders’ resilience.
Conclusion and Takeaways from Washington Commanders vs Chargers Match Player Stats
This match showed the Commanders’ comeback power through strong rushing and defense. Player stats like Croskey-Merritt’s 111 yards and two scores stand out, alongside Daniels’ efficient passing. The Chargers started hot but faded due to turnovers and injuries. For fans searching Washington Commanders vs Chargers match player stats, this game offers lessons in momentum shifts and preparation. Both teams sit at 3-2 post-game, with the Commanders gaining confidence. Future matchups could be tighter if injuries heal.