The Washington Commanders' defense needed a good start in their crucial Week 5 road game against the Los Angeles Chargers. It did not arrive.
Pressure is growing on this unit, which has not been at its best to start the campaign. However, it didn't take long to realize that the same problems would persist. And there was plenty of blame to go around.
Justin Herbert, the Chargers' superstar quarterback and legitimate NFL MVP candidate through four weeks, effortlessly moved the ball downfield. His long run was inexcusable from the Commanders' standpoint, and the signal-caller had no trouble punishing Washington after second-year cornerback Mike Sainristil's inexplicable offside penalty on the field goal attempt.