Justin Herbert makes Commanders pay early for blitz, penalty

A short pass to wide receiver Quentin Johnston had the Chargers in the red zone one play later. The Commanders’ defense held Los Angeles out of the end zone, as safety Jeremy Reaves deflected a pass from Herbert in the end zone to force a field goal attempt on fourth down.

However, Commanders cornerback Mikey Sainristil jumped offsides before Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker made a 29-yard field goal. The Chargers accepted the penalty instead of keeping the three points, gaining a first down as a result.

Two plays later, Herbert found wide receiver Ladd McConkey for a two-yard touchdown.

A senseless penalty on a field goal attempt negated a solid redzone stop for Washington’s defense. Instead, the Commanders give up an opening drive touchdown for the first time this season.

Justin Herbert and company completed a nine-play, 76-yard drive for seven points. If the Commanders are to steal a win on the road, their defense will have to exploit the Chargers’ offensive line and limit penalties that have haunted them in their last week’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons.