The Washington Commanders had their backs against the wall heading into their Week 5 road game against the Los Angeles Chargers. But as has typically been the case throughout head coach Dan Quinn's leadership, they found a way to get the job done.
It was a rough start. The defense was missing tackles, and things weren't clicking offensively to begin the contest. But a momentum-shifting turnover created by safety Quan Martin turned the tide.
The Commanders seized the initiative. They scored 27 unanswered points and looked like a legitimate force once again. Quinn and his staff looked better prepared, which resulted in a morale-boosting triumph to get their campaign back on track.
It wasn't perfect. At the same time, 3-2 looks a whole lot better than 2-3. Especially considering the Commanders are still missing several influential figures on the health front.
This was the pick-me-up that everyone associated with the franchise needed. Things were teetering for Quinn's squad. They had to show plenty of resolve, but this roster is made of stern stuff. And with quarterback Jayden Daniels back in the lineup, anything is possible.
Building on this is crucial. Before we look too far ahead, here are five winners and two losers from Washington's memorable success at SoFi Stadium.
Winners and losers from the Commanders' win over the Chargers
Winner No. 1
Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB
The Washington Commanders have taken their time with Jacory Croskey-Merritt. They've been eager not to put too much on the rookie's shoulders during his initial transition. However, the flashes suggested it wouldn't be long before a genuine breakout emerged.
That happened in Week 5. Croskey-Merritt was nothing short of sensational, and the Commanders rode him heavily. Whether it was gaining the hard yards between the tackles or showcasing the speed to get out on the edge for significant gains, the seventh-round rookie did it all.
Of course, the fumble wasn't ideal. Some big-time flaws in pass protection must be rectified, but this was Croskey-Merritt's coming-out party in no uncertain terms. He accumulated 111 rushing yards and two touchdowns from just 14 carries, and also brought in both targets for 39 receiving yards to round off a highly profitable afternoon at the office.
More importantly, this confirmed Croskey-Merritt as the leading man. The Commanders might be using a committee, but there is no denying who the No. 1 option is moving forward.
Croskey-Merritt has arrived, and the hype train is reaching warp speed after the best performance of his fledgling NFL career to date.