Last season, Ladd McConkey sparked the Chargers offense as a rookie pass-catching sensation.
The wide receiver led all skill position players in yards from scrimmage with 1,449 — and cemented himself as quarterback Justin Herbert’s primary target.
So far in 2025, with an improved Quentin Johnston showing improvement and Keenan Allen back on the team, McConkey has taken a step back. Last week against the Giants, McConkey set career lows in catches and receiving yards, with just one catch (on six targets) for 11 yards — the worst catch rate of his career.
McConkey has yet to record a touchdown. Johnston and Allen have combined for all seven receiving touchdowns.
“It’s just a tough game for him,” Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman said about McConkey’s uncharacteristic outing. “He’ll bounce back, though. We have 110% faith in him and what he’s going to bring — he’ll bounce back.”
Washington could provide that opportunity for the former Georgia Bulldogs star. The Commanders concede 248.4 passing yards per game (27th in the league) and allow 8.6 yards per pass (30th).
McConkey knows what he must do against Washington: “Just don’t press, stay confident, and play my game and just let it come through.”
The Chargers wideout, who has 174 receiving yards on 16 receptions through four games, said overcoming the Commanders’ speed on defense will result in favorable performances for him and the rest of the offense.
“They’re gonna play hard, they’re gonna play fast,” McConkey said about the Commanders. “They fly around to the ball. Really good at all three levels.”