No one roared louder than the Philadelphia Eagles fans in the StubHub Center on Sunday, as though the Phili-natives had a Fresh Prince-inspired pilgrimage to support their team.
“The whole stadium was green today,” said Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks. “Either they traveled well or they’re just out here.”
The Eagles thwarted the Los Angeles Chargers 26-24. Bolts quarterback Philip Rivers completed 22 passes for 347 yards; running back Austin Ekeler had one carry for 35 yards. Wide receiver Keenan Allen made five catches for 138 yards and safety Jahleel Addae made seven solo tackles.
Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz made 17 throws for 242 yards, running back LeGarrette Blount had 16 rushes for 136 yards. Tight end Zach Ertz made five catches for 81 yards and linebacker Jordan Hicks made eight solo tackles.
“We just stunk the first quarter of our season, we got three quarters left to figure some things out and get this thing turned around,” said Bolts head coach Anthony Lynn. “It’s going to be a lot of evaluation going on tonight and tomorrow and some things are gonna change.”
Rivers fumbled on a scramble to start the game, resulting in a costly turnover. The Eagles offense advanced down the field by air. Wentz sent a touchdown throw to wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. The Chargers defense refused the Eagles another touchdown, but they scored a field goal to conclude the first quarter with 10 points.
Philadelphia earned five consecutive first downs, three from passes. However, the Chargers again only allowed them a field goal. On their first play back on offense, Rivers sent a prayer of a pass 75 yards to wide receiver Tyrell Williams who caught and ran in to score for the Chargers.
Although Bolts defenders continued to stunt the Eales, they could not stop the soaring kicks of rookie Jake Elliott, who scored his third field goal in the second period. Rivers sent a pass to Allen to create a 49-yard play to put the Bolts in Eagles territory. Kicker Younghoe Koo landed a field goal and the Chargers were 10-16 against Philadelphia by halftime.
Eagles special teams earned the only scoring play in the third, pushing them to 19 points. To start the fourth, running back Austin Ekeler ran in a 35-yard touchdown. Los Angeles rallied back with a 17-19 deficit. The Eagles would avenge themselves with a 68-yard rush by Blount, giving them a red zone opportunity.
Philadelphia running back Wendell Smallwood rushed down the middle to beckon a seven-point play. A two-point difference turned into nine. A 50-yard play from Allen would push the Chargers to the Eagles’ 11-yard line.
Tight end Hunter Henry fought to catch Rivers’ endzone pass and was pushed out of bounds, officials ruled it as an incomplete, but head coach Anthony Lynn challenged the ruling. After reviewing the play, the ruling was changed and the Chargers were again within two points of the Eagles.
Running back Corey Clement flew through Bolts defenders to gain first downs. Time, however, would halt the Eagles from scoring. Wentz kneeled out the last regulated minute, securing a second victory for Philly on the road.
The Chargers head to New York to face Eli Manning and the Giants on Sunday, October 8 at 10:00 AM.
