In a game that left Eagles fans shaking their heads, Philadelphia’s 22-19 loss to the Chargers in Week 14 wasn’t just about what the Chargers did right-it was about what the Eagles couldn’t stop doing wrong. And if you ask left tackle Jordan Mailata, one particular moment still doesn’t sit right.
Right before halftime, Jalen Hurts connected with A.J. Brown on what looked like a clean two-yard touchdown.
It should’ve tied the game at 10-10 and given the Eagles some momentum heading into the break. Instead, a holding flag on Mailata wiped the score off the board, pushing the offense back 10 yards.
Philly ended up settling for a Jake Elliott 30-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 10-6 instead of drawing even.
Mailata addressed the play during his weekly appearance on SportsRadio 94 WIP, and while he didn’t go full rant mode, he didn’t hide his disbelief either.
“I just don’t think that was a penalty,” Mailata said. “I’m lying on the ground, looking back, and I see Khalil Mack with a straight line to Jalen.
I’m thinking, ‘Oh my God, he’s going to get killed.’ Then I see the flag, and I’m wondering who it’s on.
They call my number, and I’m like, how? The guy’s got a clear path to the quarterback.”
It was one of several moments that summed up the Eagles’ day-a team that looked like it should’ve been in control, but just kept getting in its own way.
Statistically, Philly didn’t play like a team that should’ve lost. The defense was relentless, racking up seven sacks on Justin Herbert and holding the Chargers under 200 passing yards.
The offensive line gave Hurts time, allowing just one sack all game. Saquon Barkley broke loose for a 52-yard touchdown and finished with 122 rushing yards.
There were flashes of what this team is capable of.
But then came the self-inflicted wounds.
Six penalties. Five turnovers from Hurts.
A missed field goal from the usually reliable Elliott. And three drops from A.J.
Brown-two of which could’ve been touchdowns. It was a game filled with “what ifs” and “should’ve beens.”
The Eagles didn’t lose this one because the Chargers outplayed them. They lost it because they couldn’t get out of their own way. Execution was inconsistent, mental mistakes piled up, and the margin for error in the NFL is just too small for that kind of performance.
Mailata’s frustration over the holding call is understandable-it took points off the board in a game decided by a field goal. But that moment was just one piece of a larger puzzle. If the Eagles want to get back on track, they’ll need to clean up the mistakes, sharpen their focus, and stop making life harder on themselves.
Because when this team is firing on all cylinders, they look like contenders. But when they beat themselves, even a game against a beatable Chargers squad turns into a missed opportunity.