4 keys to a Commanders' Week 5 win over Chargers

The Washington Commanders are gearing up for a big matchup in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Both the Commanders and Chargers are coming off tough losses in Week 4 and will be looking to get back in the win column. Jayden Daniels, the Commanders’ star quarterback, missed the last two games with a sprained knee. Marcus Mariota performed admirably in both of his starts, but it’s still a huge relief to learn that Daniels will indeed play in Week 5.

While Daniels will be back in the fold, star wide receiver Terry McLaurin will not. This means Deebo Samuel will likely be heavily featured on offense again. It’s also likely that Daniels won’t utilize his legs as much in this game, given his recent injury. Meanwhile, the defense will have its hands full keeping Justin Herbert and his talented stable of receivers in check.

Now, let’s identify the four keys to victory for the Commanders.

Don’t let Herbert go crazy

Last weekend, the New York Giants held Justin Herbert in check, and they got a win as a result.

Herbert ended with just 203 passing yards against the Giants and also threw two interceptions. Herbert is easily capable of throwing for double that amount of yards, and the Commanders currently have the No. 27 passing defense in the league.

There’s a scenario where Herbert throws for 300+, and this game turns into a shootout. That is not the ideal scenario, considering Daniels is coming off an injury and the Commanders are without their most reliable receiver. The pass defense must find a way to contain Herbert and these talented receivers.

Get consistent pressure on Herbert

Last weekend, the Commanders only generated one sack against the Atlanta Falcons. It was a disappointing performance as the Commanders average 2.5 sacks per game, which puts them right in the middle of the league.

This is a good matchup for the Commanders to get back on track, though. The Chargers are allowing three sacks per game, which is near the bottom of the league. The Giants only got two sacks on Herbert last weekend, but they were able to generate consistent pressure and make the quarterback uncomfortable.

Make Herbert uneasy in the pocket, and it could be a good day for the Commanders.

Somebody other than Deebo Samuel has to make plays

Last weekend, Deebo Samuel led all Commanders’ pass-catchers with six catches for 72 yards and one score. No other Commander had more than two catches or 21 yards, and that’s not something that can happen again.

The Chargers have a stout defense, and they will definitely focus on stopping Samuel since McLaurin is out. As a result, somebody like Luke McCaffrey or Zach Ertz needs to step up. Veteran Chris Moore received three targets last weekend and didn’t catch any of them, so it would be nice to see him contribute in Week 5.

Protect Daniels

Daniels is coming off an injury and will likely be less mobile as a result. Therefore, the Commanders need to make sure to keep Daniels upright to avoid aggravating his injury.

Heading into Week 5, the Commanders are allowing 2.5 sacks per game, which ranks 21st in the league. The Chargers, meanwhile, have no problem getting after the quarterback, averaging 3.3 sacks per game, which is the fourth-best mark in the league.

The Commanders’ line has been shaky, but this is the game they need to pull it together. If Daniels has a clean pocket and his receivers get open, the Commanders should be in good shape.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: 4 keys to a Week 5 win vs. Chargers

4 keys to a Commanders’ Week 5 win over Chargers

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