Week 5 showcased the Washington Commanders on the road, delivering a balanced 27-10 win over the Chargers. Jayden Daniels returned in style, and the offense racked up 389 yards with 163 on the ground, including Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s career day of 111 rushing yards and two TDs. Deebo Samuel added 96 receiving yards and a score, while Luke McCaffrey chipped in 50 yards. Washington’s defense harassed Herbert, recording five sacks, and special teams dictated field position with precision.

Washington erased a 10-point hole to topple the Chargers 27-10, led by Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s two rushing TDs and a late Jayden Daniels drive. Herbert absorbed heavy pressure all game, finishing 22 of 29 for 166 yards with a TD and INT as San Diego’s penalties and miscues doomed momentum. Washington capitalized on a second‑quarter fumble and a key return negated by a penalty, then pulled away with a field goal and Croskey-Merritt’s final score. Next up: Commanders host Bears; Chargers visit Dolphins.

Mike Sainristil has had a rocky 2025 start, with an overall PFF grade of 49.6 and 46.4 in coverage through four games. He’s been targeted 21 times with 17 completions for 166 yards and a touchdown, and his tackling remains his bright spot. Sainristil has only lined up in the slot, fueling debate about a potential move back outside and a reshuffle with Noah Igbinoghene to reclaim playmaking. Fred Smoot defends the process, highlighting a learning curve and Sainristil’s ball-hawking traits as reasons for optimism amid a struggling Washington secondary, with larger defensive pressures and pass rush gaps cited as backdrop for the turnaround.

Amos ascends for Washington. Rookie Trey Amos from Ole Miss has won the Commanders’ outside corner job opposite Marshon Lattimore, pushing Mike Sainristil inside to the slot. Through three games Amos has looked like the defense’s top corner, with offenses targeting Lattimore and Sainristil early, not Amos. A standout play against the Raiders underscored his technique, and a Pro Football Focus/SIS chart signals a promising rookie arc for Washington’s secondary.