If the Eagles' depleted linebackers and secondary are likely to be targeted by San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers and his bevy of skyscraper-tall receivers, then the onus for stopping the Chargers may fall on the defensive line.
"It starts up front," Eagles defensive end Trent Cole said. "The D-line will have to set the tone and it will fall back from there. If we create problems, get in [Rivers'] face and cause interceptions - that's all, folks."
That's pretty much been the story thus far this season. The line has harassed opposing quarterbacks and spearheads a defense that is second in the NFL with 27 sacks.
However, the Eagles' defensive fortunes took a downward turn this week. Akeem Jordan hyperextended his knee in Sunday night's loss to Dallas and is officially out for tomorrow's game, and reserve cornerbacks Ellis Hobbs and Joselio Hanson were lost for extended periods.
With that kind of personnel turnover, the Chargers - who average 34 passes a game - are expected to chuck the ball at will. Rivers' top targets are 6-foot-5 wide receiver Vincent Jackson and 6-4 tight end Antonio Gates.
"You just have to get the ball at the highest point before they do," Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel said. "This is not the first time we've played against tall receivers."
Sheldon Brown and Samuel lead all NFL cornerback twosomes with nine interceptions between them. Samuel has five; Brown has four. But both would certainly say the line has contributed to their success.
Cole is sixth in the NFL with 7.5 sacks and Jason Babin, who has dressed the last three games with Victor Abiamiri shelved, has three sacks over that span. Abiamiri (knee) is questionable for tomorrow, so Babin may be active again. Even if Abiamiri is ready, Babin might not have lost his spot in the rotation.
"The flexibility that we have with Jason and the way he's played up to this point, you have a hard time sitting a guy like that down," Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said.
Green Akers
Lost in the negativity after the loss to Dallas was David Akers' stellar performance.
The Eagles' kicker connected on all three of his field-goal attempts and each was beyond 45 yards. While some didn't like coach Andy Reid's call for a late field goal without any time-outs, Akers made good on a 52-yard try.
This season, Akers is third in the NFL in scoring among kickers with 71 points. He has made 16 of 19 field goals and is 10 of 13 on attempts beyond 40 yards. In 2004, Akers set a then NFL-record of 17 field goals beyond 40 yards. The record was surpassed by the Cardinals' Neil Rackers, who hit 19 in 2005.
"If he keeps going on the pace he's on now, whatever that record is, I'm sure he's going to threaten it," special-teams coordinator Ted Daisher said.
Who's returning kicks?
Safety Quintin Demps (ankle) practiced sparingly yesterday and is listed as questionable. If he can't go, Jeremy Maclin will return kicks, Reid said.
Contact staff writer Jeff McLane at 215-854-4745
or jmclane@phillynews.com.
