Game Preview – PHI at LAC

The rested Eagles head to Cali to take on the Chargers. Both teams are 8-4, but still very different. The Chargers have had a lot of injuries and most people would say this team is about where it should be. The Eagles are on a two-game losing streak and have felt a bit like underachievers for most of the year. Same record, different vibes.

DVOA has the Chargers at 17th in the league. They have the Eagles at 11th. The Chargers haven’t played an overly difficult schedule. Their best wins are over the Chiefs in Week 1 and the Broncos in Week 3. The win over Denver came on a last second FG. LA started 3-0, then lost 3 of 4 and since then have won 3 of 4. They are a bit on the streaky side.

QB Justin Herbert is not 100 percent.

Chargers QB Justin Herbert says his surgery went well.

Herbert says he had a plate and screws inserted to stabilize his left hand.

Herbert says he is planning to play Monday vs. Eagles: “Yeah, that is the plan to play Monday.” pic.twitter.com/ghwrZSzYTt

— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) December 3, 2025

He will likely have to play most, if not all, of the game in the pistol or shotgun. He hasn’t taken snaps from under center this week. That will affect the Chargers run game and play-action game. They will get RB Omarion Hampton back from IR and he could give the rushing attack a boost. Hampton has good speed and big play ability.

The Chargers OL has been a mess this season. Both starting OTs are out. RG Mekhi Becton has disappointed with his performance. The line just isn’t playing well.

Once again, saying “the Chargers’ offensive line is one of the worst in a decade” isn’t hyperbole.

Why can’t Justin Herbert have just one season without something being generationally bad — whether it’s the coaching, the defense, or the O-line? pic.twitter.com/9qU3fAOOSN

— Ryan DePaul (@RyanDePaul) December 4, 2025

With Herbert being banged up and the OL struggling, the Eagles must win the battle up front and get good pressure. This would be an ideal night for Jaelan Phillips, Jalyx Hunt and Moro Ojomo to come up big. Jalen Carter is out. That puts pressure on the others to step up. Luckily they have favorable matchups. Win the battle, win the game.

It sounds like Marcus Epps will start in place of Sydney Brown. Vic Fangio’s scheme needs safeties who are smart about staying deep and attacking the ball at the right time. Brown had some coverage issues last week. Epps should have a better feel for that role.

Herbert has good weapons to work with if you give him time. Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnson and Nick Sirianni favorite Keenan Allen are a good trio of receivers. They’ve combined for 16 TDs. Rookie TE Oronde Gadsden is an athletic playmaker. One of the X-factors for the offense is Herbert’s ability to scramble for time or just to flat out run. Defenses must account for his legs. Herbert has an explosive arm so if he buys a bit of time he can then find someone deep for a big gain. The Eagles must attack, but also play under control.

Fangio worked on a staff with Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman so everyone knows everyone. I don’t know if that gives an advantage to one side or the other.

The Chargers defense is one of the best in the league. They are third in yards allowed and 11th in points allowed. They are particularly good against the pass, but you do have to point out they haven’t faced a gauntlet of elite QBs. This game will be an interesting test for the Eagles and Chargers.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni has been more involved in the offensive preparations this week, according to team sources.https://t.co/dygawOqXDx

— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) December 6, 2025

Kevin Patullo is still calling plays. Sirianni is getting more involved during the weekly meetings. It is possible he will have a stronger voice on gameday. We’ll have to wait and see about that.

This will be a tough matchup for the Eagles offense.

What’s the biggest challenge Jalen Hurts will see from the Chargers on Monday night?@FDuffyNFL breaks down why it’s third down dime defense. pic.twitter.com/hNpXaOjO8Z

— PHLY Eagles (@PHLY_Eagles) December 7, 2025

The Eagles have struggled on third downs all year long. LA does a great job in those situations so sustaining drives will be challenging.

LB Tui Tuipulotu leads the team with 10 sacks. Khalil Mack has 4.5. He isn’t a force anymore, but still has his moments. Safety Derwin James is the best overall player on the defense. He’s one of those special players who can rush, blitz, play the run and is good in coverage. The Eagles need a good plan for how to attack him.

The Chargers have been vulnerable against the run at times. They have allowed 118 or more yards in six games. This would be an ideal week for the Eagles ground game to get going. We’ll see if the reported new wrinkles can help. Better blocking would be a great place to start.

I think Sirianni’s approach can help in games like this. He likes his players to live in the moment. Don’t get too up for specific games. You want a consistent approach every week. Ray Rhodes would give a fire and brimstone speech before big games. Then those teams would go and lose a game they shouldn’t. You need to be as even as possible emotionally.

This is a crucial game, but you don’t want the Eagles feeling extra pressure. Go play football. Be smart. Execute. That’s how you win. You don’t need some wild speech to get you fired up.

There will be a lot of Eagles fans at SoFi Stadium. That will be a great thing…if the Eagles play well.

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