Chargers pull ahead in OT to defeat Eagles in tight MNF win

Inglewood, California – In a season plagued by inconsistency los angeles chargersHis “Monday Night Football” outing similarly appeared headed for defeat.

The Chargers’ defense was stifling, causing five turnovers philadelphia eagles cubby jalen hurtsMost in the career of a Super Bowl MVP. But after the opening-drive touchdown, the Chargers’ offense stalled.

But L.A.’s defense got caught when it needed it most as a safety Tony Jefferson Hurts’ pass intercepted for safety. 22-19 overtime winchargers quarterback Justin Herbert Just seven days after surgery on a fracture in his left hand, he rushed for 66 yards, the third-most in his career.

It was the biggest win of the season for the Chargers, who looked to be out of the playoff race. This win could help them advance to the postseason for the second year in a row.

Los Angeles Chargers (9-4)

What to make of QB performance: Herbert’s left hand was injured He was clearly in trouble throughout the game, but he played without any limitations – taking snaps under center, struggling for yards and absorbing hits. Herbert’s counting stats were not impressive – completing 12 of 26 passes for 139 yards – but some of them can be credited to the Eagles defense that blanketed receivers and constantly pressured him. His performance with the broken hand was an encouraging sign for the offense over a four-game period with each opponent competing for a playoff spot or better seeding (Kansas City, Dallas, Houston, Denver).

Hole in the game plan:Pass security.

Eagles – star defensive tackle missing jalen carter – Pressed Herbert for 68.3% of his dropbacks and sacked him seven times, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. A pressure in the second quarter led to an interception after the Eagles edge rusher jalen phillips pushed tackle bobby hart In Herbert’s throwing arm. Pass protection has been an issue this season, especially since joe altSeason-ending right high ankle injury in Week 9. Since that injury, Herbert has been sacked 21 times, which is second in the NFL (geno smith30).

trend of viewing:use between RB Omarion Hampton And Kimani Vidal,

With rookie first-round pick Hampton back for the first time since Week 5, he and Vidal shined.

On the opening drive, they passed for 78 yards, capped by a 4-yard receiving touchdown by Hampton. Their workloads were similar – Hampton with 13 carries and Vidal with 14 – and the coming weeks will prove whether it should be a shared backfield or whether Hampton will move back as the featured back. , chris rimm

Next game: But kansas city chiefs (1 p.m. EST, CBS)

Philadelphia Eagles (8-5)

Coming into Monday night’s game on a two-game slide, the Eagles needed Hurts to exude aggression and lead the team to a steady win over the Chargers.

Instead, he put in one of the worst performances of his career, which largely contributed to his defeat.

Hurts had five turnovers, including an interception in overtime that ended a promising drive near the goal line. He was protecting the football as well as anyone else for the majority of the season, but he has seven sacks in the last two games. He could have got more help from his receiving team — aj brownGot the pick due to collapse midway through the second half – but Hurts maintained more aggression than anyone against L.A.

A mediocre outing would have been enough on a night when the defense recorded seven sacks. Saquon Barkley Rediscovered some of his 2024 magic with a 50-plus-yard touchdown run.

The Eagles are in a strong position to win the NFC East. But their offensive woes have reached crisis levels, leading Philadelphia to fear that the defense is headed for a 2023-like collapse.

Most Amazing Performance: Two unheralded defensive players made big impacts in the game. cornerback Adore’ JacksonCB2 is the subject of much scrutiny amid the team’s quest to identify the opposite. Quinyon MitchellHad an interception and two passes defended to continue his improving play. defensive tackle byron young took full advantage of his increased role in jalen carterAbsence with 1.5 sacks, two QB hits and one tackle for loss.

Viewing Trends: rioter jake elliott He has missed three field goal attempts and one extra point attempt in the last three games. He failed to connect on a 48-yard attempt late in the second quarter on Monday. With offensive struggles, the margins are too small to absorb an inconsistent kicking game for long.

stat to know: Barkley’s 52-yard TD scamper early in the fourth quarter was the 15th rushing touchdown of his career with a pass of at least 50 yards, including playoffs, tying him for second in NFL history with Barry Sanders. adrian peterson16. Barkley entered Monday’s contest with only one run of more than 40 yards on the season. –Tim McManus

Next game: versus las vegas raiders (1 p.m. EST, Fox)