Commanders' high-priced pickup is quietly proving everyone wrong

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. Most of his good work doesn't show up on the stat sheet, but it makes a significant impact nonetheless.

Although he only finished with four tackles, he was a consistent nuisance for the Chargers' offensive line. In one instance, Kinlaw was double-teamed, but the South Carolina product still managed to explode into the backfield and get his hands on the running back to force no gain on the play.

After his performance last week against the Atlanta Falcons, NFL analyst Mark Bullock said, "Kinlaw’s play, as with most interior defensive linemen, might not always show up in the stat sheet, but his presence inside has been huge for the Commanders."

Kinlaw kept his momentum rolling in Los Angeles, helping shut down Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton. A week after torching the New York Giants for 128 yards and a score, the first-round pick was held to just 3.7 yards per carry before leaving with an injury.

Having to double up on Kinlaw also opened rushing lanes for the Commanders' defense, resulting in five sacks and constant pressure on quarterback Justin Herbert, who finished with the eighth-worst passing yardage total of his career.

The coaching staff values what Kinlaw brings to the team, recognizing him as one of the captains in Week 5. His influence is growing, and he's already well on his way to silencing those who mocked the three-year, $45 million contract with $30 million guaranteed given to him by the Commanders.

Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said it best earlier this year: “He’s a penetrative, disruptive man.” If Kinlaw keeps this up, he'll not only continue being a pillar for the Washington defense, but he'll go from being ridiculed to one of the offseason's most impactful additions.