Chargers snatch overtime victory from Eagles. Herbert's hand surgery recovery culminates in a dramatic game-winning interception.
In what was a fascinating game for many reasons during Monday Night Football, Justin Herbert, one week removed from left hand surgery, was set to lead the Los Angeles Chargers as they hosted the Philadelphia Eagles, who, despite being at the top of their division and the reigning Super Bowl champions, were on a losing streak entering this contest. It was a game that undoubtedly featured two of the better teams in the NFL that, despite their flaws, have what it takes to be a Super Bowl contender.
The competitiveness of those two teams was evident as the game went into overtime to decide a winner, as the Chargers came out on top 22-19 after a game-winning interception.
But before the conclusion was settled, it was a pretty back-and-forth contest.
The Chargers struck first. Omarion Hampton, who was activated from the IR earlier today, caught a four-yard pass from Justin Herbert for a score. The drive was sparked by Kimani Vidal, the Chargers' other running back, who got the Chargers within striking distance. That put the Chargers up 7-0, but Jake Elliott knocked through a 41-yard field goal for the Eagles to make it 7-3 at the end of the first quarter.
Then the second quarter happened, and it was quite eventful. Sloppy, even. By the time halftime came around, these two teams had combined for six turnovers. There were possessions in which fumbles and interceptions happened on the same drive. The Chargers picked off Jalen Hurts twice in the first half and even stripped him for a fumble.
Herbert had an interception and a fumble in his own right during the first half. But despite all that, the Chargers did get a 45-yard field goal from Cameron Dicker in the second quarter. The Eagles got a 30-yard field goal from Jake Elliott to make the game 10-6, and he tried to add another right before halftime to make it a one-point game, but missed to keep it a four-point game at the break.
In the third quarter, the Chargers put together a really impressive long drive that ended in a 34-yard field goal by Dicker in what was a strong possession by the home team. Once again, the Eagles answered with a field goal of their own, a 54-yarder from Elliott to make it 13-9.
From there, the Eagles finally got their first touchdown. Saquon Barkley shook loose on a misdirection play and broke out a 52-yard touchdown run to give Philadelphia a 16-13 lead. It had been all field goals for them up to that point, but that touchdown put them up three.
The Chargers showed resilience and knocked in yet another field goal to make it a 16-16 game. From there, both teams had impressive drives but once again were stalled for field goals. The Eagles kicked a 44-yard field goal with just over two minutes left to go up 19-16, and then the Chargers answered with one with just a few seconds left to make it 19-19 and send it into overtime.
Los Angeles got the ball first in OT and put together a promising drive that was then cut short by the Eagles defense, resulting in a 54-yard FG from Dicker, putting him at 5-for-5 on the night. That put the Chargers up 22-19 as the defense took the field with a chance to win LA the game.
Philadelphia didn't have much success early in its drive, pinned back in Eagles territory facing a 3rd down and 16. DeVonta Smith bailed Philly out with a 28-yard strike, then the Chargers held strong again. With a 4th down and 4, shortly after, the Eagles opted to go for it instead of kick a 60-yard field goal to tie the game, which was converted on due to a Chargers defensive penalty.
With a first down and 3:23 remaining in OT, Philadelphia was alive once again. But a tipped pass for an interception gave the Chargers the thrilling win to advance to 9-4.
From here, the Chargers look ahead to a divisional road game against the Kansas City Chiefs in just six days. They'll look to continue chasing the Denver Broncos, who are on a 10-game winning streak and at the top of the AFC West.