Washington Commanders vs Chargers Match Player Stats
The washington commanders vs chargers match player stats from October 6, 2025, tell the story of a game that changed dramatically after a difficult opening quarter for Washington. The Washington Commanders defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 27-10, overcoming an early 10-point deficit through a powerful rushing performance, efficient quarterback play, and a defense that consistently pressured Justin Herbert. Jacory Croskey-Merritt delivered two rushing touchdowns, Jayden Daniels threw for 231 yards without an interception, and Washington’s defense recorded five sacks. For fans examining the box score, the most important detail is how Washington turned an early disadvantage into a convincing 17-point victory.
This breakdown examines the passing, rushing, receiving, defensive, and special-teams numbers from the supplied ESPN box-score data. It also explains what those statistics reveal about the game’s momentum, why individual performances mattered, and how to interpret the numbers beyond the final score.
Washington Commanders vs Chargers Match Player Stats: Game Overview
The final score was Washington Commanders 27, Los Angeles Chargers 10. The game was played on October 6, 2025, during the NFL regular season.
Washington Commanders
Final record after game: 3-2
27
FINAL
17-point margin
Los Angeles Chargers
Final record after game: 3-2
10
Game date
October 6, 2025
Sport
NFL regular season
Washington quarterback
Jayden Daniels
Los Angeles quarterbacks
Justin Herbert, Trey Lance
Source: ESPN box-score data supplied for this article.
The result is especially interesting because the Chargers scored all 10 of their points in the first quarter. Washington then scored 27 unanswered points across the final three quarters of the game.
That scoring pattern highlights three central themes:
- Washington’s ground game: The Commanders gained 163 rushing yards and scored twice on the ground.
- Quarterback efficiency: Daniels produced 231 passing yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions.
- Defensive pressure: Washington recorded five sacks and intercepted Herbert once, helping prevent Los Angeles from scoring after the opening quarter.
The Chargers had productive individual rushing and receiving performances, but their overall offense could not convert its early lead into additional points.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Breakdown
The scoring sequence provides a clearer picture of how the contest developed.
| Quarter | Washington | Los Angeles |
| First quarter | 0 | 10 |
| Second quarter | 10 | 0 |
| Third quarter | 10 | 0 |
| Fourth quarter | 7 | 0 |
| Final score | 27 | 10 |
Los Angeles opened with a 10-0 advantage. Washington responded with 10 points in the second quarter, bringing the game level at halftime. The Commanders added another 10 points in the third quarter before scoring seven more in the fourth.
The most significant figure is not simply Washington’s 27 points. It is the Chargers’ zero points over the final three quarters.
That distinction matters when interpreting a football box score. A team can begin well and still lose control if its offense stops producing points while the opposing defense finds ways to disrupt drives. Washington combined sustained rushing production with defensive pressure to take control of the game.
Quarterback Stats: Jayden Daniels vs Justin Herbert
Quarterback statistics are often the first numbers readers check, but passing yards alone do not explain who controlled a game. Completion rate, yards per attempt, turnovers, sacks, and rushing contributions all help show how effectively a quarterback operated.
Jayden Daniels’ passing performance
Daniels returned to the lineup after missing two games with a left knee injury. His performance was an important part of Washington’s comeback, as reported in the ESPN game recap.
| Passing statistic | Jayden Daniels |
| Completions | 15 |
| Pass attempts | 26 |
| Completion percentage | 57.7% |
| Passing yards | 231 |
| Yards per attempt | 8.9 |
| Passing touchdowns | 1 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Sacks taken | 1 |
| Sack yards lost | 5 |
| Passer rating | 100.0 |
| QBR | 74.9 |
Daniels completed 15 of 26 attempts, giving him a completion rate of approximately 57.7%. Although that percentage was below 60%, his 8.9 yards per attempt showed that Washington generated meaningful gains from its passing opportunities.
His 231 passing yards also exceeded Herbert’s 166 by 65 yards. More importantly, Daniels finished without an interception.
The combination of downfield production and ball security was valuable. Washington did not need Daniels to complete an unusually high percentage of short passes. Instead, the offense benefited from productive throws, a running game that averaged 5.8 yards per carry, and a quarterback who avoided a turnover through the air.
His one touchdown pass came late in the game, when he connected with Deebo Samuel Sr. on an eight-yard scoring play. That drive helped complete Washington’s comeback and establish the final margin.
What Daniels’ numbers reveal
Three details stand out:
- 8.9 yards per attempt: Washington gained substantial yardage from each passing attempt, rather than relying entirely on short completions.
- Zero interceptions: Daniels avoided giving the Chargers an interception that could have created another scoring opportunity.
- A 100.0 passer rating: His official passer rating reflected a productive passing performance, although it should not be confused with ESPN’s separate QBR metric.
Daniels also contributed 39 rushing yards on eight carries. His ability to move with the ball added another dimension to the Washington offense and required the Chargers to account for a potential running threat.
Justin Herbert’s passing performance
Herbert completed more passes than Daniels and was accurate on a higher proportion of his attempts. However, his passing output was less productive in terms of yardage, and he threw an interception while absorbing four sacks.
| Passing statistic | Justin Herbert |
| Completions | 22 |
| Pass attempts | 29 |
| Completion percentage | 75.9% |
| Passing yards | 166 |
| Yards per attempt | 5.7 |
| Passing touchdowns | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Sacks taken | 4 |
| Sack yards lost | 24 |
| Passer rating | 86.3 |
| QBR | 51.7 |
Herbert completed 22 of 29 passes, a completion rate of approximately 75.9%. That was considerably higher than Daniels’ completion percentage, but it did not translate into greater passing production.
The difference between completion percentage and yards per attempt is important. A quarterback can complete many short passes without moving the offense downfield efficiently. Herbert’s 5.7 yards per attempt, compared with Daniels’ 8.9, illustrates that difference in this game.
Herbert also lost 24 yards on four sacks. Those plays reduced the value of some offensive possessions and put additional pressure on the Chargers to convert subsequent downs.
The interception was another costly event. Washington’s defense capitalized on a turnover in the second quarter, while Los Angeles failed to record an interception of Daniels.
Trey Lance’s contribution
Trey Lance also attempted passes for the Chargers.
| Passing statistic | Trey Lance |
| Completions | 3 |
| Attempts | 4 |
| Completion percentage | 75.0% |
| Passing yards | 44 |
| Yards per attempt | 11.0 |
| Passing touchdowns | 0 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Sacks taken | 1 |
| Passer rating | 110.4 |
| QBR | 50.4 |
Lance completed three of four passes for 44 yards. His 11.0 yards per attempt was higher than either starting quarterback’s figure, but his limited sample is essential context.
Four attempts are not enough to make a reliable comparison of overall quarterback performance. His numbers represent a small portion of the Chargers’ passing workload, and his passer rating should not be interpreted as proof that he outperformed Daniels or Herbert over the full game.
Quarterback comparison at a glance
| Category | Jayden Daniels | Justin Herbert |
| Completions | 15 | 22 |
| Completion rate | 57.7% | 75.9% |
| Passing yards | 231 | 166 |
| Yards per attempt | 8.9 | 5.7 |
| Passing TDs | 1 | 1 |
| Interceptions | 0 | 1 |
| Sacks | 1 | 4 |
| Passer rating | 100.0 | 86.3 |
Daniels was the more productive passer by yardage and yards per attempt. Herbert completed more passes but faced greater pressure and threw an interception.
The takeaway is not that completion percentage is unimportant. It is that passing accuracy must be considered alongside the depth and value of completed throws, turnovers, sacks, and the final result.
Rushing Stats: Jacory Croskey-Merritt Leads Washington
The ground game was one of the defining features of the Commanders’ victory. Washington gained 163 rushing yards on 28 carries, averaging 5.8 yards per attempt and scoring two rushing touchdowns.
The Chargers gained 155 rushing yards on 27 carries, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. The difference in total yardage was modest, but Washington converted its rushing production into two touchdowns while Los Angeles failed to score a rushing touchdown.
Washington Commanders rushing leaders
| Player | Carries | Rushing yards | Average | TDs | Longest run |
| Jacory Croskey-Merritt | 14 | 111 | 7.9 | 2 | 27 |
| Jayden Daniels | 8 | 39 | 4.9 | 0 | 12 |
| Chris Rodriguez Jr. | 5 | 7 | 1.4 | 0 | 3 |
| Jeremy McNichols | 1 | 6 | 6.0 | 0 | 6 |
| Team total | 28 | 163 | 5.8 | 2 | 27 |
Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s two-touchdown performance
Croskey-Merritt was Washington’s leading rusher, finishing with 111 yards on 14 carries. His 7.9 yards per carry was the highest average among the Commanders’ listed rushing contributors with meaningful workloads.
He also scored both of Washington’s rushing touchdowns.
His first touchdown was a 15-yard run in the second quarter. It brought Washington back into the game after Los Angeles had built a 10-0 lead. His second score came on a five-yard run in the third quarter, putting Washington ahead 17-10.
These touchdowns mattered because they converted rushing opportunities into points. Rather than asking Daniels to finish every drive with a pass, Washington used its running game to cross the goal line.
Croskey-Merritt’s performance also demonstrates why yards per carry should be considered alongside total carries and scoring output. A long run can lift an average, but he combined productive rushing with two decisive touchdowns.
He added two receptions for 39 yards, giving him 150 combined rushing and receiving yards. That contribution extended beyond his work as a conventional ball carrier.
Jayden Daniels’ rushing contribution
Daniels added 39 yards on eight carries, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt. His longest run covered 12 yards.
Those yards helped Washington maintain an offense that could threaten both through the air and on the ground. When a quarterback can gain positive yardage as a runner, defenders must consider whether he will hand the ball off, throw, or keep it himself.
His rushing total should not be added to his passing yardage when reporting passing statistics. For a broader picture of his offensive contribution, however, the two categories can be combined.
Daniels recorded 270 passing and rushing yards before accounting for any receiving or other statistical categories, with 231 through the air and 39 on the ground.
Los Angeles Chargers rushing leaders
| Player | Carries | Rushing yards | Average | TDs | Longest run |
| Justin Herbert | 4 | 60 | 15.0 | 0 | 41 |
| Omarion Hampton | 12 | 44 | 3.7 | 0 | 8 |
| Kimani Vidal | 4 | 18 | 4.5 | 0 | 11 |
| Hassan Haskins | 5 | 13 | 2.6 | 0 | 5 |
| Trey Lance | 1 | 11 | 11.0 | 0 | 11 |
| Quentin Johnston | 1 | 9 | 9.0 | 0 | 9 |
| Team total | 27 | 155 | 5.7 | 0 | 41 |
Justin Herbert’s surprising rushing numbers
Herbert led the Chargers in rushing yards with 60 on four carries. His average was 15.0 yards per carry, and his longest run was 41 yards.
That figure shows how much explosive running can contribute to an offense even when the quarterback’s passing numbers are less impressive. Herbert was able to gain significant yardage on the ground, including a long scramble that helped the Chargers during their opening scoring period.
However, the Chargers did not turn their rushing production into a rushing touchdown. Herbert’s individual success was not enough to compensate for the offense’s later struggles.
Omarion Hampton was the Chargers’ leading running back by carries, with 44 yards on 12 attempts. His 3.7-yard average was lower than the team’s 5.7 average because the overall figure also included Herbert’s long scramble and the smaller contributions of other players.
This is a useful distinction for anyone reviewing NFL rushing tables: the team average and the lead running back’s average can tell different stories.
Receiving Stats: Deebo Samuel Sr. Leads the Commanders
The receiving numbers reveal another important contrast between the teams. Washington recorded 231 gross receiving yards across 15 receptions, while the Chargers recorded 210 receiving yards across 25 receptions.
Washington averaged 15.4 yards per reception. Los Angeles averaged 8.4 yards per reception.
The Commanders therefore gained more receiving yardage despite making fewer catches. This suggests that Washington’s completed passes produced larger gains on average, while Los Angeles relied more heavily on shorter completions.
Washington Commanders receiving leaders
| Player | Receptions | Receiving yards | Average | TDs | Targets |
| Deebo Samuel Sr. | 8 | 96 | 12.0 | 1 | 11 |
| Luke McCaffrey | 1 | 50 | 50.0 | 0 | 2 |
| Jacory Croskey-Merritt | 2 | 39 | 19.5 | 0 | 2 |
| Jaylin Lane | 2 | 16 | 8.0 | 0 | 2 |
| Jeremy McNichols | 1 | 12 | 12.0 | 0 | 2 |
| John Bates | 1 | 9 | 9.0 | 0 | 2 |
| Tay Martin | 1 | 9 | 9.0 | 0 | 1 |
| Team total | 15 | 231 | 15.4 | 1 | 23 |
Individual rows follow the supplied player statistics. Team passing-yard totals may differ from receiving-yard totals because passing yardage is adjusted for sack losses.
Deebo Samuel Sr.’s leading performance
Samuel was Washington’s leading receiver, catching eight passes for 96 yards and one touchdown on 11 targets.
His eight receptions accounted for more than half of Washington’s 15 completed receptions. He also contributed the Commanders’ passing touchdown, an eight-yard reception from Daniels late in the fourth quarter.
Samuel’s performance was valuable for three reasons.
First, he gave Daniels a dependable receiving option. Eight catches provided a substantial share of Washington’s passing completions.
Second, Samuel’s 96 yards helped the offense gain ground without needing every drive to depend on a long rushing play.
Third, his touchdown helped finish the comeback. The score came after Washington had established control through its rushing game and defense.
Samuel averaged 12 yards per reception. That figure was lower than McCaffrey’s 50-yard average, but Samuel’s eight catches gave him a much larger and more representative workload.
Luke McCaffrey and the value of explosive plays
McCaffrey caught one pass for 50 yards on two targets. His single reception was the longest catch listed among Washington’s receivers.
A 50-yard reception can have a major effect on a team’s average yards per catch. In McCaffrey’s case, that one play contributed a substantial portion of his receiving total.
Still, one catch does not establish a consistent pattern of production. A balanced assessment distinguishes explosive contributions from repeated involvement in the passing game.
Croskey-Merritt also made an impact as a receiver, catching two passes for 39 yards. His receiving work complemented his 111 rushing yards, giving Washington another way to involve him in the offense.
Los Angeles Chargers receiving leaders
| Player | Receptions | Receiving yards | Average | TDs | Targets |
| Keenan Allen | 5 | 58 | 11.6 | 0 | 9 |
| Quentin Johnston | 4 | 40 | 10.0 | 0 | 4 |
| Ladd McConkey | 5 | 39 | 7.8 | 1 | 7 |
| Tyler Conklin | 2 | 30 | 15.0 | 0 | 3 |
| Omarion Hampton | 6 | 26 | 4.3 | 0 | 6 |
| Oronde Gadsden | 1 | 14 | 14.0 | 0 | 1 |
| Hassan Haskins | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 0 | 1 |
| Kimani Vidal | 1 | 1 | 1.0 | 0 | 1 |
| Team total | 25 | 210 | 8.4 | 1 | 32 |
Keenan Allen’s productive outing
Allen finished with five catches for 58 yards on nine targets. He was the Chargers’ leading receiver by yardage.
His 11.6 yards per reception indicated that his catches generally generated more yardage than the team’s overall average. However, he did not score a touchdown, and Los Angeles could not sustain its early offensive momentum.
Allen also reached a significant career milestone during the game, becoming the fastest player in NFL history to reach 1,000 career receptions, according to the contemporary game recap. That achievement added historical significance to an otherwise difficult result for the Chargers.
Ladd McConkey’s touchdown
McConkey caught five passes for 39 yards and one touchdown. His two-yard reception from Herbert opened the scoring in the first quarter.
That early score helped Los Angeles establish a 10-0 lead. McConkey’s touchdown was the Chargers’ only receiving touchdown in the game.
His five catches tied Allen for the team lead in receptions, but Allen gained 19 more receiving yards. McConkey’s role was therefore especially visible in the scoring column, while Allen led the team’s receiving yardage.
Comparing the receiving units
Washington averaged seven more yards per reception than Los Angeles, based on the supplied team figures. This does not automatically mean every Commanders receiver performed better than every Chargers receiver. It does show that Washington extracted more yardage from each completed catch on average.
The Chargers completed more passes, but the Commanders generated more receiving yards. Combined with Washington’s two rushing touchdowns, that passing efficiency helped explain how the team won by 17 points.
Defensive Player Stats: Washington’s Pressure Changes the Game
Washington’s defense was a major reason the Chargers failed to score after the first quarter. The Commanders recorded five sacks, nine quarterback hits, six tackles for loss, and one interception in the supplied defensive statistics.
The Chargers recorded one sack and one quarterback hit. Their defense made six tackles for loss, but it could not produce an interception or stop Washington from scoring in each of the final three quarters.
Team defensive comparison
| Defensive statistic | Washington | Los Angeles |
| Total tackles | 74 | 59 |
| Solo tackles | 44 | 32 |
| Sacks | 5 | 1 |
| Tackles for loss | 6 | 6 |
| Passes defended | 4 | 2 |
| Quarterback hits | 9 | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 0 |
| Defensive touchdowns | 0 | 0 |
The tackle totals show Washington’s greater volume of defensive involvement, but tackles alone do not measure defensive quality. A defense can accumulate tackles while allowing substantial yardage. Sacks, turnovers, quarterback pressure, and the ability to prevent scoring are more useful when considered together.
Washington’s five sacks and nine quarterback hits indicate that its defenders repeatedly disrupted the Chargers’ passing game. The absence of any Chargers points after the first quarter reinforces the importance of that pressure.
Bobby Wagner leads Washington in tackles
Wagner finished with 14 total tackles, including eight solo tackles. That made him Washington’s leading tackler.
His total reflects consistent involvement in stopping plays. A high tackle count can indicate that a defender was frequently around the ball, although the number should be interpreted alongside the rest of the defense’s performance.
Other notable Washington defenders included:
| Player | Total tackles | Solo tackles | Additional contribution |
| Bobby Wagner | 14 | 8 | Team-leading tackler |
| Mike Sainristil | 9 | 7 | 2 passes defended, 1 interception |
| Quan Martin | 9 | 6 | Important defensive involvement |
| Jeremy Reaves | 7 | 5 | 1 pass defended |
| Dorance Armstrong | 3 | 2 | 2 sacks, 2 tackles for loss |
| Von Miller | 3 | Not specified | 1.5 sacks, 1 tackle for loss |
Armstrong’s two sacks were especially significant because they ended plays before Herbert could complete a pass or make further progress. Miller added another 1.5 sacks, contributing to the pressure that made it difficult for Los Angeles to maintain its passing rhythm.
Sack totals should be understood as team outcomes as well as individual achievements. When several defenders consistently pressure a quarterback, the offense has less time to develop routes, identify open receivers, and make decisions.
Mike Sainristil’s interception
Sainristil recorded nine tackles, defended two passes, and intercepted a pass.
An interception is valuable because it ends the opposing team’s possession and gives the offense an opportunity to take over. In a game where Washington was trying to protect a lead, that kind of defensive play could prevent a potential scoring drive.
The Chargers finished without an interception, while Washington’s defense recorded one. The difference in takeaways favored the Commanders.
Los Angeles defensive leaders
Troy Dye led the Chargers with 11 total tackles, including seven solo tackles. He also recorded three tackles for loss.
Justin Eboigbe recorded four total tackles, three solo tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, and one quarterback hit.
These contributions show that Los Angeles had defenders capable of making individual plays. However, the Chargers recorded only one sack overall and failed to force an interception.
The key difference was the combined effect of defensive pressure and offensive execution. Washington generated more disruption against Herbert than Los Angeles generated against Daniels, and the scoreboard reflected that imbalance.
Turnovers and Penalties: The Hidden Story Behind the Result
The most important moments of a football game do not always appear in the passing or rushing leaderboards. Turnovers and penalties can change possession, erase successful plays, or give an offense additional opportunities.
In this matchup, the Chargers’ mistakes helped Washington recover from its slow start.
The fumble that changed momentum
During the second quarter, Chargers receiver Quentin Johnston fumbled after a reception, and Washington cornerback Marshon Lattimore recovered the ball.
The turnover was especially costly because Los Angeles had established an early advantage. Washington capitalized on the change of possession and scored its first touchdown on a 15-yard run by Croskey-Merritt.
That sequence changed the game’s direction. Instead of allowing the Chargers to build on their lead, Washington gained an opportunity to narrow the gap and reestablish its offense.
The supplied player-stat table also records a lost fumble for Johnston and a recovery for Lattimore. These details matter because a fumble is not automatically a turnover: the opposing team must recover the loose ball for possession to change.
Penalties disrupted the Chargers
The Chargers were charged with 10 penalties for 85 yards, compared with Washington’s seven penalties for 48 yards.
| Penalty statistic | Washington | Los Angeles |
| Penalties | 7 | 10 |
| Penalty yards | 48 | 85 |
| Average yards per penalty | 6.9 | 8.5 |
Los Angeles lost 37 more yards to penalties than Washington. The extra penalties also created problems beyond the raw yardage total.
A penalty can turn a manageable third down into a difficult one, extend an opponent’s drive, or erase a major gain. During this game, a roughing-the-kicker penalty nullified a Chargers punt-return touchdown and gave Washington an automatic first down.
That sequence demonstrates why the number of penalties is only part of the story. Their timing and effect on possession can be just as important.
Red-zone performance
Red-zone efficiency measures how often an offense converts opportunities inside the opponent’s 20-yard line into touchdowns. Field goals also produce points, but touchdowns generally provide a greater scoring return.
The official game statistics listed Washington at three successful scoring conversions on five red-zone opportunities, compared with one on two for Los Angeles.
| Red-zone statistic | Washington | Los Angeles |
| Opportunities | 5 | 2 |
| Successful scoring conversions | 3 | 1 |
| Reported efficiency | 60% | 50% |
The Chargers had fewer opportunities, and their early scoring did not translate into sustained production. Washington’s greater number of scoring opportunities reflected its ability to keep drives alive and make productive use of field position.
These figures should not be interpreted in isolation. Red-zone efficiency is most useful when paired with total drives, turnovers, and points scored.
Special Teams Stats: Matt Gay and Cameron Dicker
Special teams did not dominate the statistical story, but both kickers converted their field-goal attempts and extra points.
Kicking comparison
| Statistic | Matt Gay | Cameron Dicker |
| Field goals made | 2 | 1 |
| Field goals attempted | 2 | 1 |
| Field-goal percentage | 100% | 100% |
| Longest field goal | 36 yards | 55 yards |
| Extra points made | 3 | 1 |
| Extra points attempted | 3 | 1 |
| Total points | 9 | 4 |
Gay scored nine points, including two field goals and three extra points. His 36-yard field goal increased Washington’s lead to 20-10 in the third quarter.
Dicker accounted for four Chargers points through a 55-yard field goal and an extra point. His long field goal was an impressive individual achievement, but Los Angeles did not add another score after the opening quarter.
Punting and kick returns
| Statistic | Tress Way | JK Scott |
| Punts | 2 | 2 |
| Total punting yards | 101 | 96 |
| Average punt | 50.5 yards | 48.0 yards |
| Longest punt | 53 yards | 54 yards |
| Punts inside the 20 | 1 | 1 |
Washington’s Luke McCaffrey recorded three kickoff returns for 92 yards, averaging 30.7 yards per return. His longest return was 40 yards.
For Los Angeles, KeAndre Lambert-Smith returned four kickoffs for 88 yards, averaging 22.0 yards per return. His longest return was 25 yards.
Washington’s higher average return gave it a better return-yardage figure, although return averages alone do not establish how much each return affected field position. Starting field position, coverage, and the outcome of the following offensive drive all matter.
Team Statistics: Where Washington Gained Its Advantage
The broader team numbers help explain why the Commanders won despite a slow start and why the Chargers’ early scoring did not continue.
| Team statistic | Washington | Los Angeles |
| Total net yards | 389 | 336 |
| Rushing yards | 163 | 155 |
| Net passing yards | 226 | 181 |
| Rushing attempts | 28 | 27 |
| Passing attempts | 26 | 33 |
| First downs | 22 | 18 |
| Third-down conversions | 2 of 7 | 9 of 16 |
| Fourth-down conversions | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 |
| Time of possession | 25:41 | 34:19 |
| Turnovers lost | 1 | 1 |
| Penalties | 7 | 10 |
| Penalty yards | 48 | 85 |
One figure stands out: Los Angeles held the ball for 34 minutes and 19 seconds, more than eight minutes longer than Washington. Yet the Chargers lost by 17 points.
This is an important reminder that time of possession does not guarantee victory. An offense can control the clock and still lose if it fails to convert possession into points, gives away the ball, or struggles to protect its quarterback.
Washington recorded 389 total net yards, compared with 336 for Los Angeles. The Commanders also gained more net passing yards and slightly more rushing yardage.
The difference was not that Washington dominated every statistical category. The Chargers actually recorded more third-down conversions and held the ball longer. Washington’s advantage came from combining more productive yardage with stronger defensive pressure, more scoring opportunities, and fewer penalties.
Why the third-down numbers need context
Los Angeles converted nine of 16 third downs, while Washington converted two of seven. At first glance, this looks like a significant advantage for the Chargers.
However, third-down efficiency is only one part of offensive performance. It does not measure the value of every first- and second-down play, the impact of turnovers, or the points scored after successful conversions.
The Chargers’ nine conversions did not lead to a score after the first quarter. Washington, meanwhile, made its limited third-down opportunities count within an offense that generated points through rushing touchdowns, field goals, and a late passing score.
This is why a strong statistical analysis should never rely on a single number to explain a final result.
Key Takeaways From the Match Player Statistics
Several conclusions emerge when the passing, rushing, receiving, defensive, and special-teams figures are considered together.
- Croskey-Merritt was Washington’s most productive runner. He gained 111 rushing yards, averaged 7.9 yards per carry, and scored two touchdowns.
- Daniels produced more passing yardage than Herbert. He finished with 231 yards, compared with Herbert’s 166, and avoided an interception.
- Washington generated more explosive receiving production. The Commanders averaged 15.4 yards per reception, compared with 8.4 for the Chargers.
- Defensive pressure helped Washington control the second half. The Commanders recorded five sacks and nine quarterback hits.
- Turnovers and penalties hurt Los Angeles. The Chargers lost a fumble, threw an interception, and committed 10 penalties for 85 yards.
- Possession time did not tell the whole story. Los Angeles held the ball longer but scored no points after the first quarter.
- Washington converted its opportunities into points. Two rushing touchdowns, a passing touchdown, and two field goals helped produce the 27-point total.
The most useful lesson for readers is to compare individual production with team outcomes. A quarterback’s completion percentage, a receiver’s catch total, or a defense’s tackle count can be informative, but none tells the whole story alone.
How to Read NFL Player Statistics Correctly
For readers comparing box scores, fantasy football performances, or team results, a few basic distinctions help prevent common errors.
Passing yards versus net passing yards
Passing yards generally describe the yards credited to a quarterback on completed passes. Net passing yards account for yardage lost on sacks.
That distinction explains why Washington’s listed passing total of 231 yards differs from its 226 net passing yards. The Chargers’ 210 gross passing yards from their quarterbacks and receiving production also differ from their 181 net passing yards after sack losses.
Receptions versus targets
A target is a pass directed toward a receiver. A reception is a pass that the receiver catches.
Samuel caught eight of his 11 targets. Allen caught five of nine. Their catch totals and target totals show both production and how frequently they were involved in the passing offense.
Target totals do not automatically reveal whether a receiver was open or whether every incomplete pass was the receiver’s fault. They are most useful when considered alongside yardage, catches, and the offensive situation.
Passer rating versus QBR
Passer rating and ESPN’s Total QBR are different measures. Passer rating uses a formula based on passing statistics such as completion percentage, yards per attempt, touchdowns, and interceptions. QBR is ESPN’s separate quarterback-performance metric.
That is why Daniels’ 100.0 passer rating and 74.9 QBR should not be treated as competing scores on the same scale.
Individual totals versus team totals
Individual player figures do not always add directly to a team’s net total. Sacks, lost yardage, and the way a statistic is defined can create differences.
When comparing NFL performances, use the same category for both teams. For example, compare net passing yards with net passing yards, not one team’s net total with the other team’s gross total.
This approach is particularly useful when reviewing a box score for fantasy football, postgame analysis, or historical comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won the Washington Commanders vs Chargers game?
The Washington Commanders defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 27-10. Washington recovered from a 10-0 first-quarter deficit and scored 27 unanswered points.
2. How many passing yards did Jayden Daniels record?
Jayden Daniels completed 15 of 26 passes for 231 passing yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. He also rushed for 39 yards on eight carries.
3. How many rushing yards did Jacory Croskey-Merritt have?
Croskey-Merritt rushed for 111 yards on 14 carries, averaging 7.9 yards per carry. He scored two rushing touchdowns, including a 15-yard score and a five-yard score.
4. What were Justin Herbert’s passing stats?
Herbert completed 22 of 29 passes for 166 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He was sacked four times for a loss of 24 yards and added 60 rushing yards.
5. Which receiver led the game in receiving yards?
Deebo Samuel Sr. led Washington with 96 receiving yards on eight catches and scored one touchdown. Keenan Allen led the Chargers with 58 yards on five receptions.
6. Why did Washington win despite having less possession time?
Washington held the ball for 25:41, compared with 34:19 for Los Angeles. However, the Commanders generated more total net yards, recorded five sacks, and converted offensive opportunities into points. The Chargers failed to score after the first quarter.
Conclusion
The washington commanders vs chargers match player stats reveal how Washington turned a difficult opening into a convincing 27-10 victory. Jayden Daniels provided 231 passing yards without an interception, Jacory Croskey-Merritt delivered 111 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and Deebo Samuel Sr. led the receiving group with 96 yards and a score.
Defensively, Washington’s five sacks, nine quarterback hits, and interception helped prevent Los Angeles from adding to its early lead. The Chargers produced useful individual numbers, including Herbert’s 60 rushing yards and Allen’s 58 receiving yards, but those performances were not enough to overcome the team’s turnovers, penalties, and second-half scoring drought.
The central lesson is that football results are shaped by the relationship between individual performance and team execution. Passing efficiency, rushing touchdowns, defensive pressure, and turnover management together explain the final score more clearly than any single statistic.
