The Washington Commanders are taking on the Los Angeles Chargers in their Week 5 matchup. Check out this blog throughout the afternoon for stats, updates and more.
4:26 p.m.
And we're off! The Commanders are starting this one on defense. Let's see how the secondary will respond to the challenge of Justin Herbert and the Chargers' high-powered passing attack.
4:38 p.m.
A frustrating start for the Commanders. They allowed Herbert to rush for a 41-yard gain on third-and-2 and committed an offside penalty on a field goal attempt. Two plays after that mistake, Ladd McConkey connects with Herbert in the end zone. Still early, but a lot to clean up.
4:44 p.m.
The Commanders suffered three and out on their first drive. There were two passes and a run from Jayden Daniels. The Commanders are going to have a tough time through the air and the Chargers' top 10 secondary, but they're more average against the run. Just something to watch for the rest of the afternoon.
4:58 p.m.
The Commanders found a way to put pressure on Herbert on that last drive. Von Miller and Jacob Martin combined for a sack to bring down Herbert on third down, forcing a 55-yard field goal from Cameron Dicker.
5:05 p.m.
That's the end of the first quarter, and it's 10-0 in the Chargers' favor. The Commanders just punted it back to Los Angeles after getting some momentum on two runs from Jacory Croskey-Merritt, but things are still disjointed for the offense. The Commanders are in danger of going down three scores early in the second quarter and need their defense to get going.
5:09 p.m.
The Chargers just had another offensive lineman get sidelined with what looked like a foot injury. The Commanders have to take advantage of it.
5:11 p.m.
And they do. Dorance Armstrong just took Herbert down for his first sack of the day
5:14 p.m.
The Commanders just got a big break. They just forced a fumble from Quentin Johnston, and Marshon Lattimore recovered. Let's see how the offense can capitalize on it. They had some success with Croskey-Merritt running the ball and should lean on that going forward.
5:24 p.m.
The Commanders found some momentum on offense. They converted a third-and-16 on a pass to Jaylin Lane and had a 21-yard play by Deebo Samuel. Croskey-Merritt finished it off with a 15-yard run to the end zone. There's still some work to do, but the offense is starting to warm up.
5:52 p.m.
What a wild finish to the first half for the Commanders. After being backed up in their own end zone, the Chargers ran into Tress Way and negated a punt return touchdown by McConkey. Then, Daniels unloaded a 50-yard shot to McCaffrey, which got the Commanders into field goal range. That was followed up by a 22-yard pass completed to Samuel and a 29-yard field goal by Matt Gay. We're all tied up at 10 apiece, and the Commanders start the second half with the ball.
6:09 p.m.
We're back, and the Commanders have their first lead of the day. Croskey-Merritt continues to have an excellent day with his second touchdown of the day. He was heavily featured on that seven-play, 69-yard drive and finished things off with a five-yard score.
6:17 p.m.
The Commanders have a tremendous opportunity ahead of them after starting the game down 10-0. Their defense just forced another punt thanks to a sack and two penalties from the Chargers that eliminated two first downs. Washington has good field position at their 43-yard line and could go up by at least 10 points if they can keep their momentum going.
6:42 p.m.
We're heading into the fourth quarter and the Commanders just provided the Chargers with a spark. Croskey-Merritt just fumbled the ball on the handoff, which was recovered by the Chargers.
6:53 p.m.
The Commanders' defense hold firm at the goal line. Mike Sainristil grabs his second interception of the season and keeps it a two-score lead.
7:00 p.m.
We're under five minutes left to go and the Commanders continue to bleed the clock. They just got some new life thanks to a leg whip penalty and are now near midfield.
7:12 p.m.
Assuming the Commanders pull this one out (they're inside the Chargers' 10-yard line) this is a big breakout game for Crosky-Merritt. He has 150 total yards and two touchdowns, which might be enough to make Bill the feature back.
7:19 p.m.
And how about that for an exclamation point. Jayden to Deebo for the touchdown. It's 27-10 Commanders.
7:21 p.m.
And Von Miller adds another exclamation point with a sack on Trey Lance. That'll do it from Los Angeles. Be sure to check out Commanders.com for a full recap.
