Week 5 Second Thoughts - Washington Commanders at Los Angeles Chargers

By: Sam Myer 10/7/2025

There was plenty to be excited about on both sides of the ball from the Commanders’ win on Sunday in Los Angeles. The offense proved that they’re the best rushing team in the league, as they completely dominated the line of scrimmage. Bill Croskey-Merritt had his true breakout game with 150 yards from scrimmage and two TDs. On the other side, the defense responded in a big way after getting exposed in Atlanta in week four. Javon Kinlaw and Dorance Armstrong continued their dominance up front, making Justin Herbert uncomfortable all afternoon. The secondary stepped up as well, forcing two turnovers that were monumental in securing the win for Washington.

The star on Sunday was undoubtedly 7^th round rookie running back, Bill Croskey-Merritt; however, it was the offensive line and the tight ends that paved the way. The impact of the return of tight end John Bates cannot be overstated, as he was very active as a blocker on every run play. Additionally, second-year tight end is starting to show more blocking prowess in the run game every week. Washington is currently the #1 rushing team in the NFL, averaging 156 rushing yards per game through the first five weeks of the season; and the impact of the tight ends is a huge reason for that success. Lastly, the 21-day practice window for Sam Cosmi was opened this week, meaning his return is imminent. Cosmi is certainly the best interior lineman on the Commanders, and his impact will be critical to the continued improvement of this offense.

The other star of the Washington offense so far has been Deebo Samuel, who has 300 yards receiving and four total touchdowns through the first 5 weeks of the season. He has stepped up in the absence of Terry McLaurin with 14 catches on 17 targets in the last two games and found the endzone in each contest. Once McLaurin returns, it is expected that his receiving production will take slight dip; however, his rushing attempts will likely increase in tandem. The upcoming returns of Terry McLaurin, Noah Brown, and Sam Cosmi should bring this offense back to its peak form of 2024.

The Commanders defense got knocked around in a big way against the Falcons in week 4 but responded with pressure up front and intensity in the secondary. After he was signed in the offseason, there was much criticism about the size of the contract given to Javon Kinlaw. Through five games, he has certainly silenced the doubters dominating in the run game and providing consistent pressure rushing the passer. In the secondary, it had felt like Quan Martin was on the verge of an impact play all season. Well, his opportunity finally came on Sunday when he forced a momentum shifting fumble in the second quarter. Marshon Lattimore also returned to form on Sunday allowing only one catch for 6 yards on over 40 coverage snaps. If he’s able to build on this performance, the Commanders secondary could become the formidable force it was expected to be this offseason.

Looking forward to next week, the Commanders will host the Bears for the third straight season. It will be the second matchup between the #1 and #2 overall picks in the 2024 draft, and we all know how the first game ended. Washington will be looking to lean on their league leading running game again, as Chicago has been the worst team against the run in the NFL. On the defensive side, the Commanders secondary will be challenged with a Bears passing attack that looks much improved under Ben Johnson. It looks like we’re set up for a potentially high-scoring affair in primetime on Monday night.