Can the Eagles Get Back on Track Against the Chargers?

The Philadelphia Eagles are currently 8-4, leading the NFC East and the current number three seed. They are still in a good position, but desperately need to bounce back in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Chargers. After two straight gut-wrenching losses, will the Eagles be able to get back on track on Monday Night Football?

This game is not a literal must-win for the Philadelphia Eagles. The Detroit Lions defeated the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football, strengthening the Eagles’ grip on the NFC East. Even with a loss on Monday night, they still have a relatively easy schedule for the rest of the season and will almost certainly win the division. For the Eagles and their fans, to believe they can make another deep playoff run, this is a must-win.

The Eagles are coming off their two most devastating games of the season. Blowing a 21-point lead to a division rival is bad enough. Being steamrolled by another NFC contender only five days later is even worse. After these two losses, the team looks to be on the same track as the 2023 Eagles. After starting that season 10-1, the Eagles fell apart down the stretch. They lost five of their last six games and got blown out in the Wild Card round against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

From a morale standpoint, the Eagles desperately need this game to get back on track.

In contrast to 2023, when the defense was the primary reason for the collapse, the offense has been at fault in 2025. They have somehow been even worse after the Week 9 bye.

They will have another test in front of them. The Eagles are facing a Chargers defense that is currently third in the NFL in yards allowed per game. Led by Derwin James and Khalil Mack, they have a physical defense that is capable of flying around and making plays. Especially with the current shape of the Eagles’ offensive line, they will certainly have their work cut out for them.

Jalen Hurts and the offense need to come out of the gates aggressively, seeing what is working for them. Whether that is in the pass or the run game, the Eagles need to find their identity early Monday and stick with it. They have lacked identity on offense all season long. They have become a team that changes their offensive identity from game to game.

Some games, Hurts, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith can carry the offense through the passing game. In other games, Saquon Barkley has been able to look like his 2024 self. At this point in the year, they just need to find ways to win.

Whichever form the offense takes, Monday is irrelevant. What is relevant is the Eagles’ offense playing up to its standard.

There should be confidence, though, in the Eagles’ defense in this matchup. The defense will be shorthanded after the news of Jalen Carter receiving surgery on both shoulders. Without Carter in this game, their defensive line depth will be tested. Luckily, though, they have a favorable matchup.

The Chargers’ offensive line offers the Eagles defense a great opportunity. The Chargers’ offensive line has been one of football’s worst, dealing with many injuries and subpar play. Even without Carter, this should be a matchup the Eagles can dominate. They will need big-time contributions from Moro Ojomo and Jordan Davis, while also needing the Eagles’ edge rushers to step up. But even shorthanded, the Eagles’ defensive line will be a strength in this game.

The Chargers do have some nice offensive weapons. Keenan Allen, Quentin Johnston, and Ladd McConkey are a strong receiver trio. Los Angeles is also expecting to activate rookie running back Omarion Hampton from the IR. Hampton was an explosive, physical back before suffering an injury that has caused him to miss most of the season.

There are big-time questions surrounding the Chargers quarterback situation, though. Justin Herbert is an outstanding quarterback, but he is banged up. Herbert had surgery on Monday to repair a fracture in his non-throwing hand. He is questionable for Monday’s game. Herbert’s backup is Trey Lance. Lance, a former top 5 pick, has had a disappointing NFL career relative to expectations, but remains a quality backup quarterback. All things considered, the Eagles should be able to win this matchup on the defensive side of the ball.

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