The Los Angeles Chargers got a much-needed win over the Raiders last Sunday, snapping a rough stretch and injecting a bit of life into their playoff hopes. But there’s no time to celebrate - not when the defending Super Bowl champs are coming to town on Monday night.
The Eagles are a different beast, and the Chargers will need to be sharp in all three phases to have a shot. Let’s break down what to watch for in this pivotal Week 14 matchup.
Can the Chargers’ Run Defense Keep Saquon Barkley in Check?
Saquon Barkley might not be lighting up the stat sheet like he did last season - when he had already crossed the 1,000-yard mark and posted double-digit touchdowns by this point - but don’t let the numbers fool you. He’s still a game-breaker, and if the Chargers give him room to operate, he can flip the momentum in a heartbeat.
The Chargers’ run defense has been a bit of a rollercoaster this season. One week, they’re bottling up a back like Ashton Jeanty, holding him to just 31 yards and no scores.
The next, they’re giving up nearly 100 yards and multiple touchdowns to a player like Jonathan Taylor. That inconsistency has made it tough to know which version of this unit will show up.
Edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu, along with linebackers Denzel Perryman and Daiyan Henley, will be key in setting the tone early. Tuipulotu has been one of the bright spots on this defense, and his ability to set the edge and disrupt plays in the backfield could be crucial in slowing down Barkley. The Chargers don’t need to shut him down completely - they just need to prevent him from taking over the game.
The Herbert Question: Will He Play, and If Not, Can Trey Lance Step Up?
All eyes will be on Justin Herbert’s status this week. He injured his non-throwing hand against the Raiders and underwent surgery on Monday for a fracture. That’s a tough break - literally and figuratively - for a quarterback already dealing with heavy pressure behind a shaky offensive line.
Herbert has been sacked 38 times this season, ranking fourth in the league. That’s a lot of punishment, and it’s not going to get any easier against an Eagles defense that features playmakers like linebacker Zack Baun. If Herbert does suit up, he’ll be doing so at less than 100%, and the Chargers will need to protect him far better than they have all season.
If Herbert can’t go, the ball likely falls into the hands of backup Trey Lance. And while Lance is still finding his footing, he brings a different dynamic to the offense - particularly with his mobility.
Expect the Chargers to lean heavily on the run game, just as they did last Sunday, and look for Lance to use his legs to extend plays and keep drives alive. It won’t be easy, but if they can control the clock and avoid turnovers, they’ll give themselves a fighting chance.
Can the Chargers Keep Jalen Hurts From Taking Over With His Legs?
Jalen Hurts is always a threat to break a game open - and not just with his arm. He’s the Eagles’ second-leading rusher, with 329 yards on the ground, and he’s made a habit of turning broken plays into back-breaking gains.
The Chargers have seen this script before - they’ve faced mobile quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, and they know how dangerous it can be when a QB escapes the pocket and extends drives. The key here will be containment. Keep Hurts in the pocket, make him beat you with his arm, and don’t let him get comfortable outside the numbers.
Tuipulotu had two sacks against the Raiders and now leads the team with 10 on the season. Khalil Mack added a half-sack last week, and while his numbers haven’t jumped off the page this year, his veteran presence still commands attention. Bud Dupree also chipped in with a sack last week, and all three edge rushers will need to bring pressure without overcommitting - because the second you lose your lane against Hurts, he’s gone.
How Will the Secondary Handle the Eagles’ Receiving Trio?
The Eagles don’t just have one dangerous target - they’ve got three. A.J.
Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert make up one of the league’s most balanced and explosive receiving corps. Brown may not be leading the team in yards or touchdowns this year, but his physicality and big-play ability are always a concern.
Smith is the team’s top yardage guy and a smooth route-runner who can torch defenses if given space. And Goedert?
He’s the safety valve - dependable, tough, and capable of making clutch catches in traffic.
The Chargers’ secondary has to be better than it was against the Raiders. Cornerback Cam Hart gave up a pair of touchdowns to tight end Brock Bowers - one of them a highlight-reel one-hander, the other a blown coverage where Bowers was left wide open.
That can’t happen against a team like the Eagles. Hurts is too good, and his weapons are too talented to give them second chances.
Look for the Chargers to mix coverages and try to disguise their looks pre-snap. But more than anything, they need to tackle well and avoid giving up yards after the catch. One missed assignment could be the difference between a third-down stop and a 40-yard gain.
Will Rookie RB Omarion Hampton Make His Return?
Omarion Hampton was back at practice last week, but he didn’t suit up against the Raiders. Whether he’s ready to return on Monday night remains to be seen, but his presence could give the Chargers’ backfield a boost.
In his absence, Kimani Vidal and Jaret Patterson stepped up and handled the load effectively. Vidal, in particular, has shown some burst and vision that could keep him in a prominent role even if Hampton is cleared to play. Expect the Chargers to ease Hampton back in if he’s active, but don’t be surprised if Vidal remains the lead back - at least for now.
Bottom Line
This is a measuring-stick game for the Chargers. They’ve shown flashes of potential this season, but consistency has been elusive.
Against a team like the Eagles, there’s no margin for error. Whether Herbert plays or not, whether Barkley finds his groove or not, whether Hurts gets loose or not - it’s going to come down to execution.
If the Chargers can bring the same energy and discipline they showed against the Raiders - and crank it up a notch - they’ll have a shot. But they’ll need to win the battle in the trenches, protect the football, and keep the Eagles’ stars from taking over.
Monday night is a chance to make a statement. Let’s see if they’re ready for the moment.