Philadelphia Eagles versus Los Angeles Chargers: 5 Matchups to watch

Believe it or not, despite walking out of five of their first eight games as the loser, the Philadelphia Eagles are still in the hunt for an NFC East division title. It won’t be easy. The Dallas Cowboys are off to a torrid start and are expected to run away from everyone else in the race for divisional superiority.

The Minnesota Vikings didn’t do Philly any solids, losing to the Cowboys in a game where the backup quarterback, Cooper Rush, was at the helm, but the Birds can’t worry about any of that. They have to take care of their own business.

Here’s how that looks in Week 9. The Philadelphia Eagles must beat the Los Angeles Chargers as this is a must-win. It won’t be a walkthrough, but the game is winnable. It also features quite a few subplots that should keep fans interested and give them a lot to watch.

Here are five matchups to watch as the Philadelphia Eagles battle the Chargers.

1. Philadelphia’s young receiving corps versus a banged-up L.A. secondary

One of the more intriguing things to watch all season has been the development of this young receiving corps. There have been ups and downs, as expected, but if they struggle to make plays versus a Chargers secondary that’s missing both of its starting cornerbacks, serious questions need to be asked.

2. Bradon Staley versus Jonathan Gannon

Brandon Staley is seen as one of the great young offensive minds in the game today. Jonathan Gannon is NOT seen as one of the more gifted defensive minds, at least not yet. We can’t wait to see what Gannon has come up with to attack L.A.’s offense in Week 9.

3. The interior of the Eagles defensive line versus the interior of L.A.’s offensive line

One thing is common with all quarterbacks, both young and old. Immediate pressure up the middle makes them uncomfortable.

Javon Hargrave and Fletcher Cox make a ton of money, and they’re charged with making life uncomfortable for Justin Herbert. The interior of the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line (Matt Feiler, Corey Linsley, and Michael Schofield III) are charged with keeping Herbert upright.

4. The Eagles running game versus the Chargers’ rushing defense

Coming into the ninth week of the NFL season, L.A. was ranked dead last among 32 NFL teams in defending the run. We all know what the Eagles should do from an offensive standpoint. The question is whether or not they agree. Philadelphia’s leadership doesn’t want a running team.

5. Jalen Hurts versus the ownership and coaching staff

The expected roller-coaster ride by Jalen Hurts in 2021 hasn’t rattled the young star yet; however, his learning curve hasn’t just been affected by what opposing defenses have thrown at him. He’s also been short-circuited by a predictable offense, the refusal to run the ball, and bad playcalling.

Will his coaching staff help him out or hinder him and his team in Week 9? It’s amazing that we have to ask these questions, isn’t it?

Bonus: Joey Bosa versus Jordan Mailata

The Eagles believed in Jordan Mailata so much that they gave him a four-year, $64 million extension that includes $40.85 million guaranteed on September 11th. Games like these are where he proves that he deserves the money. Joey Bosa is coming to town, and he’ll battle the Australian all afternoon.