**Commanders and Chargers Face Line of Scrimmage Challenges Ahead of Sunday Showdown**
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — It’s hard to win without controlling the line of scrimmage, as the Washington Commanders and Los Angeles Chargers were reminded last week.
The Commanders couldn’t rush the passer in a 34-27 loss at the Atlanta Falcons, while the Chargers failed to protect quarterback Justin Herbert in their undefeated start ending with a 21-18 defeat at the New York Giants. These struggles up front come into focus as the two teams prepare to face off on Sunday.
### Commanders’ Pass Rush Struggles
Washington (2-2) managed just one sack against the Falcons and allowed Michael Penix Jr. enough time to throw for a career-best 313 yards. That lack of defensive pressure enabled Penix to dissect the Commanders’ secondary, which is currently giving up 8.1 yards per pass attempt this season. Only two NFL clubs have worse numbers: the Dallas Cowboys (8.8) and Miami Dolphins (8.3).
Coach Dan Quinn expressed disappointment over the lack of pass rush against Atlanta and questioned whether different defensive schemes might generate more pressure.
“I thought, ‘When are we going to take our shots?’ I thought we could have stunted more to try to put the offensive line at some disadvantages,” Quinn said. “I do feel like we’ve got to get them off the spot.”
The Commanders have totaled 10 sacks this season, ranking in a seven-way tie for 12th in the league. However, half of those sacks came in a single game against the Las Vegas Raiders, who possess one of the NFL’s worst offensive lines.
### Chargers’ Protection Concerns Continue
The Chargers (3-1) might not be much better in pass protection. Offensive tackle Joe Alt was ruled out Friday after spraining his right ankle at the Meadowlands. Alt had shifted from right tackle to left tackle following Rashawn Slater’s season-ending patellar tendon tear in August. Without Alt, Herbert faced relentless pressure from the Giants’ formidable pass rush.
Despite this, Herbert remains optimistic about his blindside protection, expecting Jamaree Salyer to step up after Austin Deculus struggled against New York.
“Thankfully, we’ve got so many guys that are going to step up and contribute to the team,” Herbert said. “They’re gonna go out there, you know, we’re gonna give our best every week, and I think they’re gonna do a great job stepping in.”
### Hometown Return for Washington QB Jayden Daniels
Good timing for Washington comes with quarterback Jayden Daniels’ expected return from a left knee injury that sidelined him for two games. Daniels’ recovery is especially meaningful as he was born in San Bernardino, just about 70 miles east of SoFi Stadium.
“It would mean the world,” Daniels said about playing Sunday’s game. “I plan on having a lot of people attend. To be able to play back in my hometown as a pro, it would mean everything.”
### Chargers Prepare for Another Mobile Quarterback
Daniels’ presence on the field means the Chargers will face another mobile quarterback after struggling to contain Jaxson Dart, who rushed for 54 yards and a touchdown in his first career start. Safety Alohi Gilman noted that the defense needs to focus on limiting both designed runs and scrambles against such dual-threat players.
“Obviously, he’s an elite player,” Gilman said of Daniels, who rushed for 891 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie. “I think we’re excited for the challenge, excited for what he brings.”
### Commanders Need to Start Stronger on the Road
The Commanders are undefeated at home (2-0) but winless on the road (0-2). A common theme in those losses has been slow starts. Against Atlanta, Washington trailed 10-0 after the first quarter, and they fell behind 14-0 midway through the second quarter in a Week 2 loss at Green Bay.
“We just have to make sure we can hit the gas early,” Quinn said. “I didn’t feel that going into preparation or any of that, but the results are what they are. We’ve got to make sure we can find our edge and make sure that weighs different and feels different and feels aggressive at the start.”
### Chargers Struggle to Force Turnovers
After intercepting 15 passes and recovering six fumbles last season, generating turnovers has proven more difficult for the Chargers through the first month of this season. They recorded three interceptions against the Raiders in Week 2 but failed to have a takeaway in the other three games.
“I think teams are doing a good job of trying to protect themselves, but I also think we have some chances to make sure we’re taking advantage of those opportunities,” Gilman said. “We’ve got to be a little bit more conscious and aware of it, but it’ll come.”
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AP Sports Writer Howard Fendrich in Ashburn, Virginia, contributed to this report.
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