The Chargers are looking to finish strong in the last quarter of the season, as they’re set to go to battle against the Falcons this Sunday.
Here are three things to know about Los Angeles’ Week 14 opponent:
Top passing offense
Like the Chargers, the Falcons are strong through the air. Averaging 270.6 passing yards per game, Atlanta ranks seventh in the NFL. Quarterback Matt Ryan is fourth in passing yards (3,436). Ryan has relied on a dynamic duo that consists of wide receivers Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley. Despite missing three games this season, Jones has caught 51 passes for 771 yards with three touchdowns, while Ridley is 95 yards away from reaching the 1,000-yard mark.
Subpar defense
The Falcons have struggled to keep opposing offenses from driving down the field this season, as they’re allowing 394.4 yards per game. Even though Atlanta has amassed 17 sacks in their last seven games, the team has had no answer against the pass, allowing 285.3 yards per game, the third-worst in the league. With their strong front seven, the Falcons are 12th in league in run defense, allowing only 109.2 yards per game.
Familiar face
The Chargers have been notorious for letting go of players that go on to having success with their new perspective teams. Among the crop is kicker Younghoe Koo. Back in 2017, Koo beat out Josh Lambo for the starting job. His time with Los Angeles was short lived after he made only 50% of his field goal attempts. Koo wasn’t on a roster in 2018, but’s he has been rock solid for the Falcons since being signed last season. This season, he leads the NFL in points scored. He’s made 32 of 33 field-goal attempts, holding a current streak of 24. Koo has made all seven of his field-goal attempts from 50 yards or more, with a long of 54.