Chargers pull ahead in OT to defeat Eagles in tight MNF win

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – In a season marked by inconsistency for the Los Angeles Chargers, their “Monday Night Football” outing seemed headed for a similarly defeated defeat.

The Chargers defense was stifling, forcing five turnovers from Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, the most of the Super Bowl MVP’s career. But after an opening touchdown, the Chargers’ offense stalled.

But the Los Angeles defense was able to make a stop when it needed it most, as safety Tony Jefferson intercepted Hurts’ pass to secure a 22-19 overtime victory. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert rushed for 66 yards, the third most of his career, just seven days after surgery for a broken left hand.

It was the biggest win of the season for the Chargers, who appeared to be climbing out of the playoffs. This victory could propel them into the playoffs for the second year in a row.

Los Angeles Chargers (9-4)

What to think of the QB’s performance: Herbert’s injured left hand clearly hampered him throughout the game, but he played without much limitation – taking snaps under center, rushing for yards and absorbing hits. Herbert’s counting stats weren’t impressive — completing 12 of 26 passes for 139 yards — but some of that can be attributed to an Eagles defense that covered receivers and constantly pressured him. His performance with the broken hand was an encouraging sign for an offense heading into a four-game stretch where every opponent is fighting for a playoff spot or improved seeding (Kansas City, Dallas, Houston, Denver).

Hole in the game plan: Pass protection.

The Eagles — missing star defensive tackle Jalen Carter — pressured Herbert on 68.3 percent of his dropbacks, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, and sacked him seven times. A second-quarter pressure forced an interception after Eagles rusher Jaelan Phillips shoved tackle Bobby Hart into Herbert’s throwing arm. Pass protection has been an issue this season, especially since Joe Alt’s season-ending right ankle injury in Week 9. Since that injury, Herbert has been sacked 21 times, tied for second in the NFL (Geno Smith, 30).

Trend to watch: Use between RBs Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal.

With first-round rookie Hampton returning for the first time since Week 5, he and Vidal shined.

On the first drive, they combined for 78 yards, capped by a 4-yard receiving touchdown by Hampton. Their workload was similar – Hampton with 13 carries and Vidal with 14 – and the coming weeks will prove whether it should be a shared backfield or whether Hampton will return to being the star back. — Kris Rhim

Next game: at the Kansas City Chiefs (1 p.m. EST, CBS)

Philadelphia Eagles (8-5)

Heading into Monday night’s game on a two-game slide, the Eagles needed Hurts to bring the offense out of its funk and lead the team to a stabilizing victory against the Chargers.

Instead, he turned in one of the worst performances of his career, which was a major contributor to their defeat.

Hurts had five turnovers, including an interception in overtime that ended a promising streak near the goal line. He’s protected the football as well as anyone for most of the season, but he’s made seven giveaways in the last two games. His receiving corps could have helped him more — AJ Brown’s drop over the middle in the second half led to a pick — but Hurts held the offense back more than anyone against Los Angeles.

A mediocre outing would have been enough on a night when the defense recorded seven sacks and Saquon Barkley rediscovered some of his 2024 magic with a 50-plus yard touchdown run.

The Eagles remain in strong position to win the NFC East. But their offensive woes have reached crisis levels, stoking fears in Philadelphia that the defending champions are headed for a 2023-like collapse.

Most surprising performance: Two little-known defensive players had a big impact in the game. Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, who has come under a lot of scrutiny amid the team’s quest to identify a CB2 opposite Quinyon Mitchell, had an interception and two passes defensed to continue his improved play. Defensive tackle Byron Young made the most of his increased role in Jalen Carter’s absence with 1.5 sacks, two QB hits and a tackle for loss.

Trend to watch: Kicker Jake Elliott has missed three field goal attempts and one missed extra point attempt in his last three games. He failed to connect on a 48-yard attempt late in the second quarter Monday. With a struggling offense, the margins are too small to absorb an inconsistent kicking game in the long run.

Stat to know: Barkley’s 52-yard TD run early in the fourth quarter was his 15th career touchdown of at least 50 yards, including the playoffs, tying him with Barry Sanders for second in NFL history behind Adrian Peterson’s 16. Barkley entered Monday’s game with just one run of 40-plus yards this season. -Tim McManus

Next game: vs. Las Vegas Raiders (1 p.m. EST, Fox)