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 , and the Chargers failed to protect Justin Herbert as their undefeated start ended with a 21-18 defeat at the New York Giants , putting the teams' respective struggles up front in the spotlight when they face off Sunday.

Washington (2-2) managed just one sack and gave Michael Penix Jr. enough time to throw for a career-best 313 yards. That lack of pressure allowed Penix to pick apart the Commanders’ secondary, which is allowing 8.1 yards per pass attempt this season. Only two NFL clubs are worse — the Dallas Cowboys (8.8) and Miami Dolphins (8.

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