Commanders Crush Chargers With Explosive Comeback, Croskey-Merritt Sparks Pivotal Road Win 

 

What began as a promising home game for the Los Angeles Chargers devolved into a display of the Washington Commanders’ resilience and grit, as they posted 27 unanswered points to secure a pivotal 27-10 road win and improve their record to 3-2. The comeback was led by running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and his two touchdowns. 

The air in Inglewood was electric early on, with the Chargers jumping out to a quick 10-0 lead, but the feeling was short-lived. The game’s complexion changed dramatically in the second quarter, fueled by critical Chargers’ mistakes and the Commanders’ opportunistic play. Washington seized the momentum and never relinquished it, leaving the Chargers and their home crowd stunned by a three-quarter shutout.

Five Key Takeaways from the Commanders’ Win

1. The story of this game can’t be told without highlighting running back Croskey-Merritt. The unheralded back had a career day, gashing the Chargers’ defense for 111 yards and two crucial touchdowns. His 15-yard scoring run in the second quarter put Washington on the board, and his 5-yard touchdown in the third gave them a lead they would never surrender. “I just wanted to make the most of my opportunities and help the team win,” Croskey-Merritt said, his performance providing the spark the Commanders desperately needed.
2. Jayden Daniels’ return was a major storyline, and he didn’t disappoint. The quarterback shook off the rust from a knee sprain to deliver a poised performance, completing 15 of 26 passes for 231 yards. The  most important play from Daniels came late, a perfectly executed eight-yard touchdown pass to Deebo Samuel Sr. on fourth-and-seven that put the game on ice and showcased his leadership under pressure.
3. The game swung decisively on a disastrous sequence for the Chargers in the second quarter. Safety Quan Martin delivered a jarring hit on receiver Quentin Johnston, forcing a fumble that Marshon Lattimore recovered. This turnover, Washington’s first fumble recovery of the season, directly led to Croskey-Merritt’s first touchdown and completely shifted the emotional tide of the contest.
4. Special teams blunders added to the Chargers’ misery. A spectacular 57-yard punt return for a touchdown by Ladd McConkey was wiped out by a roughing-the-kicker penalty on Marlowe Wax. Instead of a 17-7 Chargers lead, Washington was gifted a first down, which they converted into a game-tying field goal before the half. It was a potential 10-point swing that proved catastrophic.
5. While the Chargers’ offense sputtered, Washington’s defense grew stronger as the game progressed. They sacked Justin Herbert four times, with Dorance Armstrong Jr. collecting two of them. The unit’s defining moment came in the fourth quarter when cornerback Mike Sainristil intercepted Herbert at the goal line, extinguishing a promising Chargers drive and preserving Washington’s 10-point lead.

Game Summary

End of Q1: Chargers 10, Commanders 0

The Chargers came out firing, looking every bit the dominant home team. Justin Herbert found Ladd McConkey for a touchdown, and a 55-yard field goal from Cameron Dicker quickly built a comfortable lead. Washington’s offense looked out of sync, managing only a single first down for much of the half.

End of Q2: Commanders 10, Chargers 10

Momentum began to pivot dramatically. The Johnston fumble gave Washington life, and Croskey-Merritt cashed in with a 15-yard touchdown run. Then, the nullified punt return touchdown took the wind out of the Chargers’ sails. Washington capitalized on the mistake, driving downfield for a Matt Gay field goal to tie the game just before halftime.

End of Q3: Commanders 20, Chargers 10

The Commanders took control coming out of the locker room. They opened the half with a methodical drive capped by Croskey-Merritt’s second touchdown, a 5-yard plunge that gave Washington its first lead. A subsequent 36-yard field goal from Gay extended the lead as the Chargers’ offense went completely silent, plagued by sacks and penalties.

Final: Commanders 27, Chargers 10

The Chargers showed signs of life with a drive deep into Washington territory, but it ended abruptly with Sainristil’s goal-line interception. With the game on the line, Daniels led a masterful 13-play, 99-yard drive, finishing it with the fourth-down touchdown pass to Samuel to seal the impressive comeback victory.

The Commanders Return Home to Face the Bears 

By capitalizing on mistakes and executing a balanced game plan, the Washington Commanders proved they can compete with tough opponents. Their defense shutting out a potent offense for three quarters is a massive confidence booster. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this loss is a painful one that exposes glaring issues with discipline and protection. 

Looking ahead, the Washington Commanders (3-2) will return home to host the Chicago Bears for “Monday Night Football.” The Los Angeles Chargers (3-2)  travel to Miami.