INGLEWOOD – The Los Angeles Chargers’ promising 3-0 start feels like a distant memory after the team dropped its second consecutive game, falling 27-10 to the Washington Commanders at home Sunday. An early lead quickly evaporated as a combination of penalties, injuries, and missed opportunities plagued the Chargers, leaving them with a 3-2 record.
Things began on a high note for the Bolts. The offense moved the ball effectively, and the team jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey found the end zone for his first touchdown of the season, and it appeared the Chargers were ready to get back on track.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically. The Commanders scored 27 unanswered points to close out the game, capitalizing on a string of miscues from Los Angeles. Penalties were a significant issue for the second straight week. The Chargers were flagged 10 times for 85 yards, disrupting their offensive rhythm and extending Washington drives.
The offensive line, already a concern, was shuffled throughout the game due to injuries to Trey Pipkins III and Mekhi Becton. This instability made it difficult for the offense to find consistency. Quarterback Justin Herbert led the team in rushing with 60 yards on four carries but struggled in the passing game, finishing with just 166 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Adding to the offensive woes, rookie running back Omarion Hampton suffered an ankle injury in the fourth quarter and did not return. The injury occurred near the goal line, further highlighting a day of frustrating setbacks for the offense.
One bright spot in the loss was a historic achievement for veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen. He became the fastest player in NFL history to reach 1,000 career receptions, accomplishing the feat in his 159th game. Allen surpassed Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison’s previous record of 167 games. He finished the day as the team’s leading receiver with five catches for 58 yards.
Despite the loss, the Chargers remain in first place in the AFC West. The team will look to halt its two-game slide in Week 6 as they travel to Florida to face the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins are 1-4 after a narrow loss to the Carolina Panthers. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 a.m. Pacific Time.
