Commanders rally to 27-10 win over Chargers in Week 5 showdown
During Week 5 of the 2025 NFL seasonLos Angeles, the Washington Commanders rolled past the Los Angeles Chargers 27–10 at SoFi Stadium, ending the Chargers’ early‑season surge and pushing Washington back above .500. The turnaround came after an early 10‑0 deficit, and it hinged on the return of a young quarterback who’d missed the previous two games with a knee injury.
Game Overview: From Early Shock to Commanding Victory
The opening quarter belonged to the Chargers. Justin Herbert connected with Keenan Allen for a 12‑yard touchdown, and a field goal later capped a tidy 10‑0 lead. But the Commanders answered back in a single, relentless second‑quarter surge that produced three touchdowns and a safety, all while keeping the Chargers off the scoreboard.
By halftime the score read 27–10, and the momentum was squarely with Washington. The third and fourth quarters turned into a defensive showcase, with the Chargers unable to threaten the Commanders’ end zone even once.
Key Players and the Turnaround
Jayden Daniels was the story’s centerpiece. After missing the November 10 and 17 matchups with a Grade‑II MCL sprain, he entered the game taking snaps at the 25‑yard line. Within five plays he threw a 32‑yard strike to Jalin Hyatt, setting up the first Commanders touchdown of the night. Daniels finished 22‑of‑31 for 277 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions – a clean sheet that reminded analysts why they had pegged him as a future Pro‑Bowl contender.
Herbert, meanwhile, was under siege. The Chargers’ line was missing two starters – left tackle Taylor Alt (ankle) and right guard Mason Slater (illness) – forcing him into the pocket 35 times before he was sacked or pressured. He ended the night 15‑of‑28 for 182 yards, a solitary touchdown, and three sacks. The final stat line belied a promising start, but the story of the night was less about yardage and more about the Commanders’ ability to smother the Chargers’ rhythm.
Defensive Battle: Turnovers, Sacks, and the ‘Big Play’ Factor
Washington’s defense, coordinated by Brandon Staley, employed a blitz‑heavy scheme that confused Herbert’s timing. Linebacker Jeremy Reaves made a pivotal interception in the end zone with 7:42 left in the second quarter, halting a potential Chargers tying drive. Just minutes later, defensive end Whitney Cunningham forced a fumble that was recovered by safety Tyrique Hunt, setting up a short field that led to the final goal‑line plunge.
Overall, the Commanders logged eight sacks – a season‑high – and forced two turnovers. The Chargers, on the other hand, managed only one sack and could not convert any third‑down attempts after the opening quarter, going 0‑13 on third‑down conversions.
Implications for the Season: What This Means for Washington and Los Angeles
For the Commanders, the win snaps a two‑game skid that had them teetering at 2‑2. Coach Ron Rivera praised the “collective‑effort mindset” in the post‑game press conference: “We knew we could bounce back once Jayden got back on his feet. The guys responded, and that’s what winners do – they adjust and execute.” The victory catapults Washington to 4‑2, firmly placing them in the NFC East hunt and giving them a favorable schedule heading into the mid‑season stretch.
Los Angeles now sits at 3‑3, a precarious spot after a 2‑0 start. Analysts note that while Herbert’s early MVP chatter still holds weight, the line‑up injuries expose depth concerns. Defensive coordinator Matt Weiss admitted, “We need to get our O‑line healthy and protect Justin better. We’ll learn from this, but the clock’s ticking.” The Chargers must address line‑up consistency if they hope to stay in the AFC West race.
Historical Context: Comebacks and Quarterback Returns
The Commanders’ 27‑point unanswered streak is the largest in franchise history for a single half, surpassing the 21‑point swing they achieved against the New York Giants in 2021. Moreover, Daniels’ return echoes the 2022 comeback of Aaron Rodgers after a four‑game injury layoff, where Rodgers led the Packers to a 24‑point surge against the Bears. Such parallels underline the psychological boost a returning quarterback can give a team, especially when the offense has been sputtering.
Looking Ahead: Next Matches and What to Watch
Washington’s next game is a Thursday night clash against the New York Giants at 8:30 p.m. ET. If the Commanders can replicate the defensive pressure and balanced attack, they’ll likely solidify a playoff berth early.
Meanwhile, the Chargers head to Allegiant Stadium to face the Las Vegas Raiders. The matchup will test whether their revamped O‑line can protect Herbert and reignite his deep‑ball prowess.
Key Facts
- Final Score: Washington Commanders 27, Los Angeles Chargers 10
- Date & Venue: October 5, 2025, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
- Top Performers: Jayden Daniels (277 yd, 2 TD), Jeremy Reaves (interception), Whitney Cunningham (2 sacks)
- Turnovers: Commanders 2, Chargers 0
- Implication: Commanders improve to 4‑2; Chargers fall to 3‑3
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Commanders’ playoff chances?
The victory lifts Washington to 4‑2, putting them firmly in the NFC East race and giving them a better chance to secure a wild‑card berth before the mid‑season stretch. With a strong defensive showing and Daniels back at the helm, analysts say the Commanders are now a realistic postseason contender.
What were the main reasons the Chargers were shut out after the first quarter?
Two key factors: a depleted offensive line that left Justin Herbert under constant pressure, and a Commanders defense that dialed up relentless blitzes, resulting in eight sacks and two forced turnovers. The lack of protection forced Herbert into short, predictable throws, which the secondary capitalized on.
When is Jayden Daniels expected to be fully cleared from his knee injury?
Team medical staff confirmed on Monday that Daniels passed a full range‑of‑motion test and is cleared for full-contact practice. He is expected to be 100% healthy for the rest of the season, barring any new setbacks.
Which Chargers players performed well despite the loss?
Wide receiver Keenan Allen caught four passes for 48 yards before the halftime break, and rookie running back Austin Ekeler managed 55 rushing yards on 12 carries, showing flashes of the explosive playmaking the team relies on.
What does the upcoming schedule look like for both teams?
The Commanders face the New York Giants on Thursday night, a divisional game that could further solidify their standings. The Chargers travel to Las Vegas to meet the Raiders, a matchup that will test the repaired O‑line and determine if they can bounce back before the next divisional showdown.
