Back in 2013, the Eagles suffered a gut-wrenching loss to the then-San Diego Chargers at Lincoln Financial Field after a 46-yard field goal broke a 30-30 tie with just 11 seconds remaining. Since making the playoffs in 2013, the Chargers have gone 18-30 overall with at least 10 losses in each of the past two years. By relocating the franchise to Los Angeles this offseason, the team is hoping a change of scenery will bring with it some better fortune.
Key Losses: CB Brandon Flowers, G D.J. Fluker, LB Manti Te'o, head coach Mike McCoy, defensive coordinator John Pagano
Key Additions: Head coach Anthony Lynn, defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, OT Russell Okung
Top Draft Pick: WR Mike Williams
The Chargers experienced a bit of an overhaul on the sidelines during the offseason in an effort to mend last year's 5-11 output. The team named Anthony Lynn the new head coach after Mike McCoy, now the offensive coordinator for the Broncos, was relieved of his duties back in January. In addition, former Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley will team up with Lynn as the Chargers' new defensive coordinator.
Quarterback Philip Rivers ranked fourth amongst quarterbacks last season with 33 touchdowns but rifled away a league-high 21 interceptions. Running back Melvin Gordon, the team's primary option in the backfield, will run behind newly signed offensive tackle Russell Okung. On the outside Tyrell Williams, Dontrelle Inman, and first-round pick Mike Williams, along with future Hall of Fame tight end Antonio Gates, figure to provide the bulk of the team's receptions.
The Chargers placed the franchise tag on one of the league's top rush linebackers in Melvin Ingram and will rely upon budding superstar defensive end Joey Bosa who won 2016 Defensive Rookie of the Year after wrestling his way to 10.5 sacks. Lockdown cornerback Casey Hayward looks to inflict the same kind of damage he dished out to opposing offenses a year ago when he led the NFL with seven interceptions.
How will the Eagles fare against a team anxious for a turnaround season? The two teams will meet up on October 1 at the StubHub Center with kickoff set for 4:05 p.m.
