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The Eagles (3-5) will return home for the first time since a
28-22 defeat to the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers on
Oct. 14. Since then, they fell 33-22 on the road to the Las
Vegas Raiders, then posted a convincing 44-6 victory over the
Detroit Lions last week.
In the crosshairs this week: Chargers quarterback Justin
Herbert, who was limited in practice Wednesday due to a right
hand injury.
The Eagles showed the type of defensive intensity the team did
in holding the Atlanta Falcons to six points in a season-opening
victory and following that by holding the San Francisco 49ers to
17 points in a home-opening loss Sept. 19.
After they deactivated linebacker Eric Wilson for Sunday's game,
the Eagles turned up the pressure with six sacks of Lions
quarterback Jared Goff and 12 quarterback hits.
On Wednesday, Wilson was waived, with the Eagles now trying to
figure out how to hold a far more potent Chargers offense in
check. Philadelphia held Detroit to 57 yards rushing. The Lions
finished with 171 net yards passing, thanks to 51 yards lost on
the six sacks, and just 4.3 yards per pass.
"I think we just did a good job of showing the same similar
coverages and then bringing pressure from those looks," Eagles
linebacker T.J. Edwards said. "We've had things schemed up like
this, but just hadn't had the down and distance to get us in
those spots."
Herbert will now have to identify the Eagles' disguised looks on
defense. As if he didn't have enough challenges on his plate.
Not only is he hurting, the Chargers' offense was handcuffed in
a 34-6 defeat at Baltimore on Oct. 17, gaining just 208 yards of
total offense and 26 yards rushing. With a bye week to address
the offensive issues, Los Angeles followed that with a 27-24
defeat to the Patriots.
The Chargers (4-3) improved their running game to the tune of
163 yards behind 64 yards from Austin Ekeler and a big 75-yard
run from Justin Jackson, but they were just 4 of 12 on third
down, while Herbert matched a season high with two
interceptions.
Jackson (quad) did not practice Wednesday, while cornerbacks
Asante Samuel Jr. (concussion) and Michael Davis (hamstring)
also were out.
Of particular concern for the Chargers is that the Patriots'
defense ramped up their pass rush to force Herbert into making
quick decisions. He likely will see the same look against the
Eagles.
Herbert played the fall guy for the performance against the
Patriots, although the offensive line will need a better showing
at Philadelphia.
"That is probably something we have to watch," Herbert said
about dealing with pressure in the pocket. "I felt like they
gave me enough time. It is on me to make those throws and to get
the ball out quicker. I thought those guys up front did a great
job blocking and I feel comfortable behind those guys."
Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor (ankle) missed practice
Wednesday, as did defensive tackles Fletcher Cox (knee) and
Javon Hargrave (shoulder).
--Field Level Media
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