Chargers Edge Eagles 22–19 in Overtime as Dicker and Jefferson Deliver Dramatic Finish

Kevork Djansezian/The Associated Press

The Los Angeles Chargers claimed one of their grittiest victories of the season Monday night, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 22–19 in overtime at SoFi Stadium. In a game shaped by turnovers, defensive stands, and late-game heroics, Los Angeles moved to 9–4 and remained in striking distance of the AFC West lead. A 54-yard field goal from Cameron Dicker and a goal-line interception by Tony Jefferson sealed the hard-fought win over the slumping defending Super Bowl champions. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh likened the intensity and emotion of the victory to life’s most cherished milestones, remarking that the win belonged “in the discussion of the birth of my seven children, my marriage.” His team survived four turnovers by Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and overcame miscues of their own, including seven sacks allowed against an injury-limited Justin Herbert. Herbert completed only 12 of 26 passes for 138 yards with one touchdown and one interception, but he contributed significantly on the ground with 66 yards on ten carries. Despite playing with a broken left hand, Herbert extended plays and absorbed heavy pressure. Harbaugh praised his quarterback’s resilience, calling him “a competitive maniac” and comparing the night to an over-the-top sports movie. Herbert later admitted the first days after surgery were “tough,” but he committed himself to regaining enough grip strength to play.

The Eagles, now 8–5 after their third straight loss, struggled to finish drives despite productive stretches on offense. Hurts threw four interceptions, including the game-ending pick to Jefferson at the 1-yard line. The first quarter produced one of the strangest sequences of the season when Hurts was intercepted, recovered a subsequent fumble, and then lost the ball again. The Chargers ultimately came away with possession. “We lost the game, and I didn’t play well enough,” Hurts said afterward. Philadelphia found its first significant momentum in the fourth quarter when Saquon Barkley broke free for a 52-yard touchdown, giving the Eagles a 16–13 lead. Barkley, who had struggled in recent weeks, produced one of his best performances of the season with 122 yards on 20 carries. Jake Elliott added field goals from 54, 30, 41, and 44 yards, but the Eagles’ inability to convert in the red zone and their five turnovers proved too costly. Dicker, meanwhile, delivered a flawless performance, going 5-for-5 on field goals. His 46-yard kick with 12 seconds remaining forced overtime before he connected from 54 yards to give the Chargers a 22–19 advantage. Moments later, Hurts attempted a deep pass to Jahan Dotson, but Jefferson’s interception in double coverage ended the game. The safety later revealed he had visualized the moment with teammates the night before, saying, “The football gods are looking out for me.”

Both teams faced injuries throughout the contest. Philadelphia lost left guard Landon Dickerson to a calf injury, while the Chargers saw receiver Derius Davis, tackle Trey Pipkins III, and safety Elijah Molden leave the game at various points. Derwin James Jr. was evaluated for a head injury but returned. Looking ahead, the Eagles will attempt to halt their skid when they host Las Vegas on Sunday. The Chargers will travel to Kansas City for a rematch of their season opener in Brazil, where the Chiefs prevailed 27–21.