Eagles schedule preview: The Chargers, the other team LA didn’t need

On to Week 4 of our daily schedule preview. Today, the San Diego Los Angeles Chargers, who could use a change of scenery.

Lost: T King Dunlap, CB Brandon Flowers, G DJ Fluker, RB Ronnie Hillman, WR Stevie Johnson, DT Sean Lissemore, CB Robert McClain, RB Dexter McCluster, LB Manti Te’o, RB Danny Woodhead

Added: RB Kenjon Barner, T Russell Okung

Drafted: WR Mike Williams, G Forrest Lamp, G Dan Feeney, S Rayshawn Jenkins, S Desmond King, T Sam Tevi, DE Isaac Rochell

Why they’ll lose to the Eagles

Because a 9-23 record over two years wasn’t under achievement but their actual talent level, and they spent the offseason signing virtually nobody to immediately improve them. Philip Rivers is 35 and coming off arguably his worst season in a decade, leading the league in INTs for the second time in three years, putting up his worst passer rating since 2007 (and second worst of his career as a starter). Could he bounce back under a new staff? Sure. Could he continue to decline in his 14th season? Absolutely. The Eagles were 7th in interception percentage last year, a multi-interception game isn’t hard to imagine. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s reputation exceeds his resume.

Why they’ll beat the Eagles

Don’t let the base stats fool you: the Chargers defense was pretty good last year.

In 2017 they have a new coach and scheme, but there’s talent there.

On the ground, Melvin Gordon was better than he appeared. Outside of the red zone, he averaged a healthy 4.4 yards per carry. His heavy usage in the red zone (50 carries, compare that to league leader in rushing attempts Ezekiel Elliott having 39) killed his rate stat.

And while the Chargers have been bad, 6 of their 9 wins over the last two years were at home, and this game is at home. In a different city. In a soccer stadium. Still, they don’t get the disadvantage of having to fly across the country to play this game.