Each week, I dive into the film of the Eagles’ upcoming opponent to get a feel for who they really are. Think of it less as a stats preview and more as an overview of what shows up repeatedly on film, and what the Eagles will be facing. For this one, I’m assuming Justin Herbert is going to play!
Pass Game
The Chargers’ passing game is challenging to predict right now because of Justin Herbert’s fractured left hand. With the injury, the Chargers could have to remove all under-center play-action, boot concepts, which will limit Herbert’s ability to avoid rushers. I expect them to lean into a shotgun, quick-rhythm structure that relies on Herbert’s anticipation and timing rather than deep play-action shots. Herbert is still one of the sharpest processors in the league and remains borderline unstoppable when he is in the zone. He’s one of the most talented quarterbacks physically in the game.
He consistently rescues drives in long-yardage situations, even behind a battered offensive line. Herbert has been phenomenal outside of structure this year.
Go and watch every Chargers’ TD from this year. You will see a lot of plays like this…
When Herbert has time, he is still elite throwing into tight windows versus both man and zone. Ladd McConkey has become his most reliable short-to-intermediate weapon, Keenan Allen uncovers well during scramble drills, and Quentin Johnston has developed into their true vertical outside target.
But the protection issues are real, and they significantly limit the Chargers’ ceiling. Both starting tackles are out, Bradley Bozeman is struggling at center, and Herbert is frequently under immediate pressure. This has forced the Chargers into a passing attack where the ball must come out fast. They major in crossers, quick isolation throws, and intermediate timing concepts designed to avoid exposing the edges. Simply put, the offensive line is dreadful. and it limits the whole offense.
Herbert’s hero-ball tendencies have also appeared more frequently this year. Under duress, he occasionally moves unnecessarily, throws early into pressure, or forces tight-window shots that aren’t required. He is forced to carry this offense.
He has even suffered several batted interceptions despite his height, a byproduct of hurried mechanics and disrupted platforms rather than vision issues.
Against the Eagles, who should be able to generate pressure with four even without Jalen Carter, this is a tough matchup for the Chargers’ pass game. If Herbert is not close to full strength or struggles to avoid pressure, the passing game should not be that scary. But when Herbert is operating at his best, with receivers who excel in scramble situations, the Chargers can still make plays because they have Justin Herbert.
Run Game
The Chargers’ run game has quietly become the stabilizing element of their offense. They have run the ball 30 or more times in four of their last five games. With Herbert limited physically and protection unable to hold up in long-dropback situations, the Chargers want to make this a run-first team. Their ground attack is built on duo, inside zone, and counter concepts that emphasize double teams on defensive tackles. Worryingly, the Eagles have lost gap integrity in recent weeks against physical run games.
Kimani Vidal has emerged as a violent, tone-setter in this backfield. Against the Raiders, he forced twelve missed tackles!. He finishes runs with intent, churns through arm tackles, and gives the offense the ability to stay on schedule. If Omari Hampton returns, the Chargers have an outstanding 1-2 punch at running back.
The most interesting addition on tape is their WR-pull counter package. Los Angeles loves using a wide receiver in motion as the second puller across the formation, forcing linebackers to widen or hesitate just long enough for the run to hit vertically. It’s usually Tre Harris as the puller. Even when the block isn’t clean, the movement stresses communication, widens the fit, and creates natural entry points for Vidal to burst downhill. It is the perfect run concept for a team whose interior offensive line struggles to displace defensive tackles in static looks. Rather than winning one-on-one, these counter variants win with leverage, angles, and manipulation. Imagine having a run game doing something creative? I watched the Chargers have at least 4 explosive plays off this exact run in the past month.
Given the Eagles’ recent breakdowns against misdirection, the Chargers will undoubtedly test them with these concepts early and often. Philadelphia cannot afford to be late fitting these runs. If the Eagles stop the run, they should be fine on defense. The Chargers will test them, though.
Final Thoughts
This is a tough offense to project because everything hinges on Herbert’s health. When he’s close to full strength, Herbert is among the league’s most dangerous quarterbacks, capable of throwing receivers open against any coverage and extending plays into explosives. He is phenomenal at attacking tight windows, and his connection with McConkey and Allen on scramble drills creates problems for every secondary. But their offensive line is a major concern, and if Herbert can’t avoid pressure, I’m not sure how this passing game will survive. The Eagles’ pass rush has to dominate this matchup, even without Carter. I expect Moro Ojomo, Jalyx Hunt, Jaelen Phillips, and Nolan Smith to have good games. They have to win this week.
The run game will test the Eagles, particularly their WR-pull counter and run-game structures. However, the matchup still leans toward Philadelphia if Herbert cannot function as his regular out-of-structure version. If he’s close to 100%, this becomes a real challenge. If not, the Eagles’ defense should have the upper hand.
Thank you for reading! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to comment below and ask any questions. If you enjoyed this piece, you can find more of my work and podcast here. If you would like to support me further, please check out my Patreon here!
See More:
