Jalen Hurts’ Rushing Attack Key to Eagles’ Success in Monday Night Football Clash Against Chargers
The Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive struggles have placed a spotlight on quarterback Jalen Hurts’ ability to impact the game with his legs, making his rushing yardage a key focus for Monday night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Eagles arrive in Los Angeles grappling with offensive inconsistency, having been held to 21 points or less in each of their last four games. This downturn has ignited scrutiny of offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo’s playcalling, with reports even suggesting disgruntled fans have targeted his home. A central question emerging from this slump is the diminished role of Hurts’ rushing ability. He has been held to 33 yards or less on the ground in his last eight outings, a significant departure from earlier in the 2025 season.
This shift is particularly concerning given the Eagles’ success when Hurts is a dual-threat. In the first four games of the season, he averaged almost 45 rushing yards per contest with at least nine carries, coinciding with an average of 27 points scored per game. It appears the criticism is resonating with the coaching staff, as Patullo indicated a renewed commitment to incorporating designed runs for Hurts.
“As we go forward, Jalen Hurts is going to continue to be a part of the offense with some of these designed runs, and we just have to pick and choose when they’re available and when they present themselves,” Patullo stated on December 8, 2025.
Monday’s game against the Chargers presents a favorable opportunity for Hurts to exploit his rushing potential. Los Angeles has proven vulnerable to mobile quarterbacks, having conceded significant yardage to Patrick Mahomes (57 yards), Bo Nix (33), Jaxson Dart (54), and Jayden Daniels (39) earlier in the season. Furthermore, the Chargers’ strong passing defense, built on zone coverage and preventing deep throws, could compel Hurts to scramble more frequently.
Despite the recent decline in carries, Hurts still ranks second among all quarterbacks in designed run calls and third in overall carries per game in 2025. However, his current average of 3.5 designed runs is a notable decrease from 5.8 in 2024 and 5.7 in 2023, both of which ranked him first in the league. If Patullo prioritizes re-establishing Hurts’ presence in the rushing attack, analysts project he could easily surpass his current rushing yardage total of under 30 yards, with projections ranging from 32 to 42.5 yards.
Adding another layer of complexity to the matchup is the status of Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who is recovering from a fractured bone in his non-throwing hand. Should Herbert play, the Chargers’ offense is expected to rely more heavily on shotgun and pistol formations, potentially disrupting their usual RPO-heavy playbook. Despite Herbert’s injury, the Eagles are favored to secure a road victory, leveraging their still-formidable defense.
Analysts also highlight the potential of Eagles running back Kimani Vidal to find the end zone, even with the anticipated return of Omarion Hampton from injury.
Eagles vs. Chargers: Key Betting Opportunities
Several same-game parlays are gaining traction among bettors, including:
- Jalen Hurts Over 29.5 rushing yards
- Eagles moneyline
- Kimani Vidal anytime touchdown
A more ambitious parlay includes Hurts exceeding his rushing yardage total, an Eagles victory, and both Vidal and Hurts scoring touchdowns. The Eagles’ success on the “tush push” – a quarterback sneak – is also a factor, with the Chargers allowing touchdowns on 77.78% of red zone plays over the past three games.
Eagles vs. Chargers Game Details
- Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
- Date: Monday, December 8, 2025
- Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN or ABC
Current Odds (as of December 8, 2025)
- Spread: Eagles -2.5 (-108) | Chargers +2.5 (-112)
- Moneyline: Eagles -138 | Chargers +118
- Over/Under: Over 41.5 (-115) | Under 41.5 (-105)
Philadelphia has demonstrated a strong record in non-conference games since 2022, boasting a 16-3 straight-up record and a 12-7 record against the spread. Ultimately, the Eagles’ ability to re-integrate Jalen Hurts’ rushing attack will be a critical factor in determining the outcome of this highly anticipated Monday Night Football showdown.
