Chargers vs. Eagles on MNF: Three Keys for L.A. to Pull Off the Upset
The Chargers are riding high after a convincing 31-14 win over the Raiders, but Monday Night Football brings a whole new level of challenge. The Philadelphia Eagles - even if they’re not playing their cleanest football right now - are still one of the most talented rosters in the league. This is the kind of matchup that tests your depth, discipline, and ability to adapt under the lights.
If the Chargers want to walk out of SoFi with a statement win, they’ll need to check a few critical boxes. Here’s what has to happen for Los Angeles to take down Philly in primetime.
1. Add Muscle to the Trenches - Especially on Offense
Let’s be clear: this can’t be a standard five-man protection kind of night. Not against this Eagles front. If Greg Roman sends out a basic offensive line package and expects them to hold up against one of the most disruptive defensive lines in football, it could get ugly fast.
This is a game where you need to bring in the extra bodies. Think heavy sets.
Think sixth offensive lineman. Think tight ends like Tucker Fisk helping chip.
Even defensive lineman Scott Matlock or tackle Trevor Penning as jumbo packages - whatever it takes to buy Justin Herbert a few more seconds.
With Herbert still nursing that hand injury, the offense is already limited in terms of under-center looks. That means you’re living in shotgun and pistol, which can actually help the protection - Herbert won’t be dropping straight into pressure.
But you still need to give him time. Let the big guys up front set the tone, and maybe, just maybe, you can stay on schedule and sustain drives.
2. Don’t Let Saquon Barkley Take Over
Saquon Barkley hasn’t looked like the game-breaker we saw in 2024, but that doesn’t mean he can’t flip the script in a single night - especially if the Chargers let him get rolling early.
The Eagles already have a physical edge in the trenches. If the Chargers start overcommitting to stop the run, it opens up the play-action game for Jalen Hurts.
And that’s when things get dangerous. Philly’s receiving corps doesn’t need much space to make plays, and Hurts can hurt you with both his arm and his legs once the defense starts guessing.
The key here is forcing Hurts to beat you the hard way. Make him string together long drives.
Don’t give up the 40-yard moon balls or the chunk plays off misdirection. If Jesse Minter’s defense can keep Barkley in check and force Hurts to be patient, they’ll at least give themselves a shot to hang in this one.
3. Play Smart, Stay Clean
This might be the simplest key, but it’s also one of the most important. The Chargers played a disciplined game against the Raiders - few penalties, no back-breaking mistakes. That needs to carry over.
The Eagles are too good to give free yards to. Whether it’s a defensive hold on third down, a false start that kills a drive, or an unnecessary roughness penalty that extends a Philly possession - any of those mistakes could swing momentum in a hurry.
If the Chargers stay out of their own way, they can control the tempo, manage the clock, and keep the game within reach. But if they start giving up field position and short-yardage situations? That’s when the Eagles start leaning into their physical identity, and you’ll be watching the infamous "tush push" march down the field all night.
Bottom Line
If Justin Herbert is under center, the Chargers have a real shot to make noise on Monday night - but only if they execute on these three fronts. Protect the quarterback with extra muscle, keep Barkley from controlling the pace, and stay disciplined.
This is a chance for L.A. to show they can hang with a heavyweight. Now it’s just a matter of whether they’re ready to rise to the moment.