Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los Angeles Chargers 2025: Keys to the Game

The Philadelphia Eagles are coming off a disastrous Week 13 showing against the Chicago Bears.

The Eagles allowed 281 rushing yards on the ground to former Eagle D’Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai – and that was with Jalen Carter active. Carter will now miss this upcoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers. That is worrisome for the Eagles, especially with rookie Omarion Hampton making his return to the lineup this week. And, that is only half of the problems for Philadelphia.

If you ask anyone, the sky is falling for the Eagles’ offense. Those people would also be justified in saying that after their recent showings.

After only scoring 15 points last Friday and zero in the second half against the Dallas Cowboys, who just allowed 44 points to the Detroit Lions on Thursday night, it’s clear the offense is struggling. That 2023 season is coming back to haunt fans, as this year feels awfully familiar.

Instead of the defense, though, it is now the offense sputtering. There is time to figure things out, as the division race is likely over after Dallas’ loss. However, it is hard to be optimistic.

Philly has had 13 weeks to figure something out, yet they have rarely shown promise. So how do they approach this primetime matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers?

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los Angeles Chargers 2025 Preview

Shake Something Up

Kevin Patullo is finishing the season as the play caller for the Philadelphia Eagles. He has to show some variety with the offense. And, more tosses for Saquon Barkley should be in order.

Barkley averages 5.4 yards per carry on runs outside the left tackle, and 4.7 outside the right tackle, according to PFF. Patullo needs to scheme his best players into space more often.

Integrating Tank Bigsby more into the rushing attack could be another way to shake things up. Bigsby is averaging 9.1 yards per carry despite never seeing the field.

Dallas Goedert should not be a near-zero in every game. His early-season utilization, especially in the red zone, was crucial for this team. It is frustrating to see things change for the worse, especially after winning all those big games to try to secure home-field advantage in the playoffs.

After 13 weeks, it’s easy to understand the fans who are not happy, but remaining positive is a must. The NFL is as wide open as it has ever been. No team has established itself as unbeatable.

The best-case scenario is Philly brings in someone as an offensive advisor to fix some problems. Fans may not like it, but Frank Reich, Doug Pederson, and Nick Foles should all be on the table if they want to return in some capacity. That is the level of disaster we are approaching. Any fresh ideas would be welcomed, even Brian Daboll should be an option.

It will be interesting to see how this team operates going forward, especially now that they are on in-season Hard Knocks. So, we will be receiving plenty of insight down the stretch run on the offense.

Philadelphia has a few games to get right, but how many weeks in a row have we mentioned that? It’s hard to fault anyone for their lack of confidence after what we have seen on the offensive side of the ball. However, the Eagles still have a very real chance of being back-to-back champions with the talent they have.

Back on Track

Last week was definitely disappointing for this Eagles’ defense. However, after carrying the team for the past couple of weeks, they should be given a pass.

Now, they will have to navigate without star lineman Jalen Carter, who is getting healthy for the playoffs. That will put even more pressure on a defense without one of their best players. Moro Ojomo and Jordan Davis have stepped up to another level in 2025, but they will have to carry even more of the load without Carter.

Byron Young will also have to step up as the third interior lineman in the rotation. Young’s two games with significant snaps were last week and the Week 6 game against the New York Giants. That game saw Cam Skattebo scored three rushing touchdowns, with Jaxson Dart adding another. A step up from Young in Carter’s absence would have a significant impact on the defense.

Another note is to get Jihaad Campbell back on the field in some capacity. He did take snaps on special teams against the Bears, but none on defense. Nakobe Dean has been incredible, but hopefully, Vic Fangio lets Campbell get some playing time against the Chargers.

There is not much to address on the defensive side of the ball given how good they have been this season. However, if last week becomes a trend, it will be addressed, but I am willing to write it off as a one-off performance.

Final Thoughts

The perception of the Philadelphia Eagles’ season changed in an instant. It only took about six quarters to enter doom and gloom mode. Despite that, they are still a top-of-the-line football team. Many teams will not reach the eight wins the Eagles have now. So, fans must remember this is the golden age of Eagles football.

Philadelphia are the favorites again in this matchup, by 2.5 points. However, they shohld win by a touchdown, no matter Justin Herbert’s status.

Expectations have been tempered, and this is the moment for them to right the ship. If they do not right the ship this week and lose to the Chargers, the ship will have sunk. Then, panic can be declared across the fanbase.