The Washington Commanders rallied from a 10‑0 deficit to beat the Los Angeles Chargers 27‑10 on Sunday, October 5, 2025, during a Week 5 NFL matchupLos Angeles, California. Quarterback Jaden Daniels, returning from a two‑game knee injury, orchestrated a 27‑point streak that flipped the game’s momentum. The win lifted Washington’s record to 3‑2 and sparked optimism ahead of Monday Night Football against the Chicago Bears.
Background and Season Stakes
Both clubs entered the contest with winning records: the Commanders were 2‑2 after a rocky stretch that saw a six‑point loss to the New York Giants and a narrow win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Chargers, sitting at 3‑1, were riding a three‑game winning streak highlighted by a 31‑24 triumph over the Denver Broncos.
For Washington, the game carried extra weight because it was the first home‑away appearance for Daniels in his hometown of Los Angeles. He had missed Weeks 3 and 4 with a Grade‑2 MCL sprain, and fans were eager to see if his arm still had the zip that helped the franchise reach the playoffs two seasons ago.
Key Moments and Turning Points
The first quarter unfolded predictably: the Chargers struck first with a 45‑yard drive capped by a 12‑yard touchdown pass from Justin Herbert to Keenan Allen. A field goal later made it 10‑0.
Midway through the second quarter, the Chargers looked poised to extend the lead to 17‑0 after a 30‑yard rush set up a short‑range score. However, running back Ezekiel Elliott fumbled at the 5‑yard line, and Washington recovered. The turnover kept the deficit to a single digit.
The real swing came with a bizarre special‑teams penalty. With 1:12 left in the half, the Chargers returned a punt 57 yards for what appeared to be a touchdown. A roughing‑the‑punter call on Tress Way erased the score and gave Washington a fresh set of downs. On the very next play, Daniels launched a 50‑yard strike to Luke McCaffrey for a touchdown that put the Commanders up 17‑7 at halftime.
From there, Washington never looked back. A pair of rushing touchdowns from Croskey‑Merritt and a late‑game interception by safety Jeremy Reaves sealed the victory.
Player Performances and Statistics
- Jaden Daniels: 24 of 32 passes for 281 yards, two TDs, no interceptions.
- Luke McCaffrey: 6 receptions, 108 yards, one TD; 45‑yard catch was the longest reception of the game.
- Croskey‑Merritt: 12 carries for 78 yards, two rushing TDs.
- Justin Herbert: 21 of 35 for 233 yards, one TD, two interceptions (one by Reaves).
- Defensive line: Washington forced three turnovers, including a crucial fumble recovered by defensive end Teair Tart.
Time‑of‑possession heavily favored Washington, 34:12 to 25:48, underscoring their ability to control the tempo after the early blitz.
Reactions from Coaches and Analysts
Commanders head coach Eric Glover praised the team’s poise. “We knew we could get back in this game,” Glover said. “The penalty was a gift, and the guys answered it the way we taught them – with aggressive play‑calling and execution.”
Chargers’ coach Haley Smith admitted the special‑teams call hurt. “We were disciplined all night, but a bad snap and that penalty shifted momentum. We’ll learn from it.”
NBA‑turned‑NFL analyst Mike Johnson noted, “The Commanders’ turnaround was a textbook example of capitalizing on opponent errors. Daniels’ chemistry with McCaffrey is finally clicking, and that will be a nightmare for defenses moving forward.”
What Lies Ahead for Washington
Buoyed by the win, the Commanders head into Monday Night Football against the Chicago Bears with a 3‑2 record, sitting third in the NFC East. The matchup is critical for playoff positioning; a victory would put Washington within a half‑game of the division lead.
Injuries remain a watch‑list item. Daniels is cleared to play, but both wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Marquez Valdes‑Scantling are listed as questionable after the game’s late‑quarter snaps.
Analysts project that if Washington can sustain its balanced attack—mixing Daniels’ deep passes with Croskey‑Merritt’s ground game—they could finish the season with a winning record and potentially secure a wild‑card spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Commanders' playoff chances?
The victory lifts Washington to 3‑2, tying them with the Dallas Cowboys for second place in the NFC East. With a Monday night game against the Chicago Bears next, a win could put the Commanders within a half‑game of the division lead, dramatically improving their wild‑card outlook.
What was the pivotal play that changed the momentum?
The roughing‑the‑punter penalty on Tress Way negated a 57‑yard Chargers punt return touchdown. The subsequent first‑down gave Washington the ball at its own 20, and Daniels immediately hit Luke McCaffrey for a 50‑yard touchdown, turning a 10‑7 deficit into a 17‑7 lead at halftime.
Who were the standout performers for Washington?
Jaden Daniels (281 passing yards, two TDs) and Luke McCaffrey (108 receiving yards, one TD) led the offense. On the ground, Croskey‑Merritt’s 78 rushing yards and two touchdowns were key, while safety Jeremy Reaves’ interception sealed the win.
How did Justin Herbert perform compared to his season averages?
Herbert threw for 233 yards and one touchdown, below his season average of 260 yards and 2.1 TDs per game. Two interceptions also marked a regression, as he typically posts a 1.8 interception rate per game.
What’s next for the Chargers after this loss?
Los Angeles drops to 3‑2 and must rebound quickly. They travel to Green Bay next week, where a win would restore them to a sole lead in the AFC West. Coach Haley Smith emphasized fixing special‑teams discipline and protecting Herbert’s blind side.
