When the Washington Commanders fell behind 10-0 to the Los Angeles Chargers, plagued by missed tackles and crushing penalties, it felt like déjà vu for a defense still searching for consistency.
That wasn't the case. And there was one big reason why.
Javon Kinlaw and the defensive line stepped up, providing much-needed reinforcement to a struggling secondary. Washington held the Chargers scoreless for more than three quarters, and the Commanders' offense, led by returning quarterback Jayden Daniels, put up 27 unanswered points to secure a pivotal win on the road.
Javon Kinlaw has been sensational for the Commanders so far
Criticized in the offseason as “the worst signing of the early free agency period,” Kinlaw continued to stand out as a reliable cog for the defense with another quietly efficient game.