Commanders Stun Chargers in LA to Boost Record to 3-2
Washington Commanders Showcase Dominant Rushing Offense in Victory Over Chargers
The Washington Commanders’ offense has garnered attention lately, with critics suggesting a shift away from the run game under head coach Kliff Kingsbury. However, the statistics tell a different story. The Commanders currently rank second in the NFL for rushing yards per game, a testament to their commitment to the ground attack. This analysis reflects their performance through the season thus far.
Impressive Rushing Stats for Commanders
While the Commanders struggled in their Week 2 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, where they recorded only 34 yards on 12 carries, their subsequent games have highlighted their rushing prowess. Over the last three games, Washington accumulated a remarkable 568 yards—averaging 189 yards per game. The breakdown of their rushing performance is as follows:
- Vs. Team A: 220 rushing yards
- Vs. Team B: 201 rushing yards
- Vs. Team C: 147 rushing yards
Each of Washington’s running backs has played a significant role, showcasing their depth and versatility. For instance, player Bill has achieved 172 rushing yards and two touchdowns with an average of 5.9 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Jeremy McNichols leads the charge with a remarkable 10.6 yards per carry, adding 106 total rushing yards and one touchdown. Chris Rodriguez, despite appearing in just two games, has contributed 98 yards at an average of 5.4 yards per carry.
Quarterbacks Contribute to Rushing Attack
In contrast to previous seasons, the Commanders’ rushing game in 2025 is less reliant on quarterback performance. However, quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota have still made valuable contributions, with Daniels rushing for 85 yards at 4.7 yards per carry, and Mariota adding 60 yards with an impressive 7.5 yards per carry.
Challenges for the Chargers’ Offense
The Los Angeles Chargers, traditionally known for their potent passing game under offensive coordinator Greg Roman, have faced challenges this season. Quarterback Justin Herbert’s performance has been inconsistent, with a stark contrast between his first two games—where he completed over 71% of his passes and threw five touchdowns—and his subsequent games, where he struggled, averaging just under 58% completion and throwing two touchdowns against three interceptions.
The Chargers’ offensive line has been a critical factor in this inconsistency. Their starting tackles, Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, are currently sidelined, leaving backup Austin Deculus vulnerable to opposing defenses. With pressure from Washington’s defensive unit, the Chargers could struggle to find their rhythm, especially given their ranking of 27th in passing yards allowed per game.
Emerging Talent Amid Injuries
With the season-ending injury to veteran running back Najee Harris, rookie Omarion Hampton has stepped up admirably, rushing for 128 yards and one touchdown in a recent game against the Giants. His performance was crucial, particularly in the second half when he broke a 54-yard touchdown run that showcased his potential.
Washington’s Defensive Strategy and Turnover Battle
The Commanders need to enhance their tackling to manage Hampton effectively. Washington’s defense, which has struggled to create turnovers, now faces the challenge of reversing this trend. Both the Commanders and Chargers currently hold negative turnover differentials (-1 for Washington, -2 for Los Angeles), putting added pressure on each team’s ability to control the game.
Upcoming NFC East Showdown
As the NFC East continues to heat up, with all three of Washington’s division rivals competing earlier, fans will look to see how the Commanders can navigate the current landscape following their 4:25 PM kickoff. The Cowboys had a commanding win, while the Eagles faced a surprising defeat, amplifying the stakes for Washington.
If the Commanders can maintain ball security, apply pressure on Herbert, and continue their trend of excellent special teams play, they hold a strong possibility of earning a pivotal road win against the Chargers. The stage is set for an exciting clash as the Commanders aim to solidify their standing in the NFC East this season.
