The Eagles are just a few hours from a west-coast matchup against the Chargers where their offensive scheme will coincide with the recently relocated team. L.A is off to a disappointing 0-3 start and will be looking for their first win against an offensive coordinator they know all too well. Can the Eagles fend them off to climb further up the NFC rankings? Let’s ask our writers.
Liam “Cup of Tea” Jenkins 2-0
Don’t be fooled by the 0-3 record, the Chargers are a solid football team playing in a stadium only I would find homely. The home-field advantage appears to be nonexistent, but that doesn’t mean that with a deadly accurate QB, elite pass rush and flurry of weapons on offense, that they can’t rally to a win against an Eagles team coming off an emotional victory over New York.
My heart says that the Eagles win this one with ease, but the durability of Jason Peters is beginning to dwindle and against the Chargers DE’s, I think that plays a factor. Rivers has rarely been bought down this season and the absence of Fletcher Cox is going to sting more than some think. The game’s close, but I think the Eagles take a step back in another one possession loss here.
Eagles 24 Chargers 30
Tyler “The need for” Steege 1-1
Phillip Rivers has a chance to give the Eagles defense fits with his ability to make adjustments at the line of scrimmage. Getting Jordan Hicks back will be huge for the Eagles defense in a potential chess match between he and Rivers. The Eagles defensive line will be the deciding factor in this one.
Eagles 27 Chargers 20
Brenden “My picks are” Pedigree 1-1
The Eagles are getting defensive leaders Jordan Hicks and Rodney McLeod back in the lineup for their week four matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers but will be without Fletcher Cox.
Philip Rivers has thrown just four touchdowns while tossing four interceptions and is on pace for his fewest touchdown passes since becoming a starter in 2006. The Chargers offensive line has kept Rivers clean, allowing just four sacks in three games against some of the league’s premier pass rushers. Brandon Graham and the Eagles defensive line will have their work cut out for them if they hope to keep their pace of 2.7 sacks per game going.
On the opposite side, Lane Johnson and Jason Peters will have their hands full with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, who have combined for eight sacks in three games. The Eagles may have to employ the quick pass-offense run by the Giants a week ago to avoid these two getting to Carson Wentz.
Despite the Eagles long trip to the West Coast and missing the likes of Darren Sproles and Fletcher Cox along with their top cornerback (still), the Eagles have proven that adversity is no match for their tenacity. I think the Eagles will bury the Chargers season hopes, sending them to 0-4. Along with that, Head Coach Doug Pederson calls a clean game and the haters are scrambling to look for something to complain about.
Eagles 34 Chargers 17
Quentin “Not LeGarrette” Blount 1-1
The Eagles are going to have to run the ball early and often to come out of LA with a win. The Chargers are giving up an atrocious 146.7 rushing yards per game over the first three weeks of the season. The Eagles would be wise to exploit that weakness, and focus on helping the offense stay out of third-and-longs. The Chargers aren’t nearly as bad as their record suggests, but if the Birds stay committed to the run game, I like their chances.
Eagles 24 Chargers 20
Chris “Has the best sounding name of any of our writers” Coviello 2-0
Coming off of a huge divisional win in the opener, the trip to Los Angeles to play the Chargers has “trap-game” written all over it. After an emotional win teams often have letdown games. Traveling across country teams also have letdown games. This week, the Eagles have both of those factors to worry about.
Don’t let the 0-3 record fool you, the Chargers are a very formidable opponent. Some pundits had them as a sneaky division winner this year. The Chargers have an array of weapons on offense at all 3 skill positions (rb,wr,te) in Melvin Gordon, Keenan Allen, Antonio Gates, Hunter Henry, Travis Benjamin and Tyrell Williams.They also boast a very gifted group of pass rushers lead by Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa.
The Eagles are without Fletcher Cox, Ron Darby on defense and may have to take a game to adjust the offense without security blanket Darren Sproles.
The Chargers are going to be hungry for a win but they have a tough time closing out games. Let’s hope Carson and Co. have more last minute heroics in their bag of tricks.
Eagles 24 Chargers 23<
Anthony “The new guy” Brinkley: 0-0
Not many expert analysts are giving the Eagles a chance in this game and even Vegas has the birds a 2.5 point underdog. I think this game is going to come down to turnovers, and in a sloppy game on the road against a desperate 0-3 team, I think the Eagles come up with a win.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
