Commanders' biggest positive from Week 5 dominance is painfully obvious

Things were teetering on a knife-edge for the depleted Washington Commanders in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Fans were fearing the worst after a sluggish start, but head coach Dan Quinn's squad once again proved they were made of the right stuff.

The Commanders dusted themselves off. After some heated words on the sidelines, everyone got on the same page. Washington scored 27 unanswered points, moving to within one game of the Philadelphia Eagles atop the NFC East along the way.

There were plenty of positives to take from yet another outstanding performance. The return of Jayden Daniels, the explosion from rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and the turnovers were right up there. But there is one that stands out above the rest.

Commanders' defensive front was relentless once again in Week 5

Washington's defensive front is silencing doubters in the best possible way this season. Concerns were widespread among fans and the media regarding this position group before the campaign. Adam Peters was confident they'd have enough, and the general manager has been proven right so far.

This game represented another big chance to impose themselves. The Chargers were without their top two offensive tackles — Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. Washington smelled blood in the water, and once they gained the upper hand, they never relinquished it.

Everyone got in on the act. Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne caused havoc from the interior. They were ably assisted by Johnny Newton, who produced arguably the most accomplished display since being drafted in the second round last year. On the edge, Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Von Miller came up with 3.5 sacks and countless pressures. Los Angeles had no answer, and quarterback Justin Herbert was in the firing line constantly.

The role players also left their mark. Jacob Martin and Eddie Goldman took on their responsibilities effectively. There was even a flash or two from recent signing Preston Smith during his first action since returning to the club.

Washington finished with five sacks, six tackles for loss, and nine quarterback hits. They terrorized Herbert, and he didn't get into any rhythm. It also caused untold problems for the protection, which led to a series of frustrating penalty flags in key moments.

This isn't a flash in the pan. The Commanders' defensive front has been playing well all season. It hasn't been perfect, but it's far greater than fans expected before competitive action began.

Momentum is growing. And if the same trend continues, the defensive line will be the biggest surprise almost nobody saw coming when it's all said and done.