Eagles vs Chargers Preview
In the Eagles first afternoon kickoff of the season, they are looking to pick up their first home win of the 2021 campaign against a Chargers team that is coming in off back-to-back losses. On the other side of things, Nick Sirianni and the Eagles are coming off a dominating victory in Detroit, and their rushing attack came into form with 236 yards on the ground. The Chargers are one of the NFL's worst ground defenses, but will Nick Sirianni stay committed to the ground game for a second consecutive week?
Los Angeles Chargers Injury Report:
The Chargers listed both starting cornerbacks Michael Davis (hamstring) and Asante Samual Jr. (concussion) as out for Week 9 against the Eagles in Philly. Backup running back Justin Jackson (quadricep) was also listed as out, and backup safety Alohi Gilman (ankle) is listed as questionable. Tevaughn Campbell (groin) is expected start on the outside if healthy, but he is a game time decision.
Philadelphia Eagles Injury Report:
The only Eagle ruled out of the Chargers game is wideout J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (ankle). With Whiteside out, we could expect to see John Hightower get a few situational snaps throughout the course of the game. Former quarterback Tyree Jackson was also activated from IR, and we could see a few packages with the young tight end in the game. Jackson was extremely impressive through the preseason and training camp, but he wasn’t expected to see many snaps behind Ertz and Goedert. With Ertz now in Arizona, Tyree Jackson could be another big-time target for Jalen Hurts. Nick Sirianni also said that Jalen Reagor and Anthony Harris are fully healthy and good to go for Sunday.
key Matchups
Defense:
Storm Norton vs Josh Sweat
Corey Linsley vs Javon Hargrave & Fletcher Cox
Keenan Allen & Mike Williams vs Darius Slay
For the first time all season, the Eagles mixed things up on defense and had some blitz packages against the Lions last week. This wrinkle to the defense translated into 6 sacks and 2 strip sacks on Jarred Goff. Nick Sirianni made the decision to not dress Eric Wilson last week, and the electric youngster Davion Taylor got the start in his place. Wilson was since cut, and Taylor is looking to turn into the Eagles sideline-to-sideline backer. Taylor has to have a big game against Austin Ekeler this week, who is one of the best backs in both the rushing and receiving game. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are also one of the best receiving duos in the league, and you have to presume that Slay will be matched up with one of them throughout the majority of game. Keenan Allen could also look to line up in the slot, but Avonte Maddox has been one of the best slot corners in the league this season. Let's not forget to mention one of the best quarterbacks in the game, Justin Herbert who has had a phenomenal start to the season but has since cooled down in recent weeks. Regardless, the Chargers offense is extremely explosive, and the game will come down to the Eagles ability or inability to pressure Herbert in the pocket.
Offense:
Joey Bosa vs Jordan Mailata & Lane Johnson
Derwin James vs Dallas Goedert
Chris Harris Jr. vs DeVonta Smith
The Chargers have been extremely inefficient against the run this season, but they have an elite pass rush led by the perennial All-Pro Joey Bosa. Nick Sirianni has to feel confident about his two book-end tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson matching up against Bosa, but Bosa can impact the game in so many more ways than just rushing the passer. Derwin James is also another one of those superstar players on the Chargers defense, and he has reasserted himself as the best safety in football after dealing with injuries the last couple seasons. James is amazing around the line of scrimmage, but he will have a tough matchup going against the talented Dallas Goedert. The Eagles should look to keep it on the ground and run it right down the throat of the Chargers defense, but we could see Hurts take some deep shots against the Chargers decimated secondary. Sirianni must establish the run early and force the two safeties James and Adderley to creep up, then he can scheme up some deep shots for Hurts. DeVonta Smith also needs to assert himself early and often in this game. Smith is the Eagles best wideout, and he can cause problems for a lot of corners. The Hurts to Smith connection needs to be in tact if the Eagles want to get a signature home win.