Commanders OutWhitt Chargers, 27-10

The Washington Commanders, featuring a JD5-led offense and an electrified defense, defeated the banged up Los Angeles Chargers 27-10.

The Chargers won time of possession but scored just 10 points in 34 minutes 19 seconds. The Commanders were the more efficient scoring machine putting up 27 points in 25 minutes 41 seconds. 

The Chargers ran for 155 yards but 60 of those came from gritty, combative QB Justin Herbert. Omarion Hampton was limited to 44 yards. A paltry total when compared to his dominant output versus the Giants.

The Chargers were over 50% on third downs. So it is hard to see Jim Harbaugh looking at the offensive stats and not accepting them had they been offered before the game.

The difference may have been the 5 sacks and 2 turnovers generated by the Commander Defense. Their line looked like a tsunami at times. Dorance Armstrong continued his strong season in the sack department pocketing two. Von Miller had a sack and a half and Jacob Martin had a half sack. Johnny Newton had a sack. 

The defense played better team ball. Newly acquired (Preston Smith, Darnell Savage) and developmental talent (Jordan Magee) made contributions.

The return of dynamic point guard Jayden Daniels expanded the separation gains between Commander receivers and Charger DBs. JD5's no name receiving corps performed well. Deebo Samuel, the biggest name and veteran mentor, led the way once again with 8 catches. Interestingly, Jacory Croskey-Merritt caught 2 for 39 yards and Luke McCaffrey caught a 50-yarder. Giving future opponents more to think about.

That on a team already offering a surplus of problems to think about for NFL defenses. It means Kliff Kingsbury has more notes he can hit during improv sessions.

It was Bill's first 100 yard game, 111 on 14 carries. He scored two tuddies. His light-heartedness and enthusiasm was definitely a sunny day for a team singing the blues. 

Bill is second only to Jayden in that regard.

This was a light-heartedness you could see coming in Joe Whitt Jr.'s press conference. 

He definitely looked as if he knew something we didn't.  

Hopefully Coach can keep them playing with each other and not against each other.

Continue being light on their feet.  

John Keim Assessment

Kevin Sheehan Assessment