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A common post the SB Nation NFL team sites have been done in the past and will continue to do throughout this season is "Which [opposing team's] player would [your favorite team's] fans take?" With the Philadelphia Eagles set to play the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, it's time to address the question and familiarize yourself with the opponent's roster.
OFFENSE
I’m not taking Philip Rivers, who turns 36 this season, over a 24-year-old Carson Wentz. Rivers threw a career high in interceptions last year. He’s up to four touchdowns and four picks through three games this season. SB Nation’s Chargers blog, Bolts From The Blue, categorized his most recent performance as “a dumpster fire.”
The Eagles could sure use help at running back, especially with Darren Sproles out. Melvin Gordon’s career numbers aren’t particularly enticing, though. He’s averaging 3.7 yards per carry. He’s also fumbled eight times in 30 games played. Maybe a change of scenery would help the former first round pick.
None of the wide receiver options are super exciting. Keenan Allen’s career got off to a great start but he’s only been able to play nine games in the past two seasons. Tyrell Williams, Dontrelle Inman, and Travis Benjamin put up some decent numbers in 2016. But is anyone really clamoring for them right now?
If Antonio Gates was in his prime, he’d be a fun pick. The problem is he’s 37. Our friends over at BFTB recently wrote he doesn’t even belong on the field outside of the red zone.
I guess I’d just take Gordon if I was going offense.
DEFENSE
The Chargers’ defensive options are more exciting than their offensive ones.
Joey Bosa had 10.5 sacks in 12 games played last season ... as a rookie. That’s, uh, pretty good. He has two more in three games in 2017. That’s 12.5 sacks in 15 games.
Bosa’s not the only good defensive end on the Chargers, either. Melvin Ingram had 10.5 sacks in 2015, eight in 2016, and he’s already up to 5.5 through three games this year.
The Eagles are already deep at defensive end, but I believe in the saying that “you can never have too many pass rushers.” Jim Schwartz likes to rotates his defensive ends anyway so he could find playing time to make it work.
Los Angeles has some talented cornerbacks in addition to their pass rushers. Jason Verrett is a real good player. The only problem is he can never stay healthy. He’s currently on injured reserve, so I’m not considering him as an option.
Casey Hayward, who led the NFL in interceptions in 2016, is healthy, however. In addition to his seven picks, Hayward already logged 20 passes defensed.
TAKEAWAY
This activity lacks super obvious answers, in my opinion, which speaks to the quality of the Chargers’ roster. It’s not that great, which shouldn’t be surprising considering the team is 0-8 in their last eight games. Or 2-10 in their last 12.
Bosa is my pick despite the Eagles already being deep at defensive end.
YOU DECIDE
If you were deciding for the Eagles, who would you take? Vote in the poll below (click here if you can’t see it).
Poll
Which one Chargers player would you take on the Eagles?
This poll is closed
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24%
Melvin Gordon
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50%
Joey Bosa
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5%
Melvin Ingram
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15%
Casey Hayward
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0%
Philip Rivers
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3%
Keenan Allen