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Where the Chargers rank statistically after Week 13

The Chargers only mustered 187 yards of total offense, so how did that impact them in the rankings?

The Chargers improved to 8-4 after beating the Falcons in Week 13.

Los Angeles’ defense, which compiled four interceptions on the day, was why they won the game. The offense only managed 187 yards of total offense and allowed five sacks to a Falcons defense with just ten entering Sunday.

With Week 14 coming up, how do the Bolts compare to the rest of the NFL? Here is where Los Angeles ranks:

Offense

Category Stat Rank
Points per game 21.7 ppg 18th
Passing offense 198.4 ypg 24th
Rushing offense 112.9 ypg 18th
Total offense 311.3 ypg 24th
3rd down conversions 37.74% 18th
Red zone scoring 53.33% 21st
Sacks allowed 30 21st
Turnovers 5 1st

Defense

Category Stat Rank
Points allowed 15.7 ppg 1st
Passing defense 206.4 ypg 10th
Rushing defense 119.4 ypg 14th
Total defense 325.8 ypg 14th
3rd down conversions 33.33% 2nd
Red zone defense 42.86% 2nd
Sacks 35 T-6th
Takeaways 13 14th

 

Chargers standstill in NFL power rankings after Week 13 win over the Falcons

Despite their win on Sunday, the Chargers did not move that much in the power rankings.

The Chargers improved to 8-4 after defeating the Falcons last Sunday.

After Week 13, let’s see where Los Angeles stands in NFL power rankings:

USA Today: 12 (Previous: 13)

“QB Justin Herbert is reaching new levels of efficiency for what is still, perhaps, an overly conservative offense. But he’s joined Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay version) as the only players to pass for at least 2,500 yards and fewer than two picks in their first 12 games of a season. Herbert, whose interception rate is a league-low 0.3%, averaged 10.5 over his first four seasons.”

NFL: 9 (Previous: 9)

“The Chargers struggled all day on offense against the Falcons, allowing a shocking five sacks (to a team that had 10 total coming in) and converting on just three of 11 third downs. They placed J.K. Dobbins on injured reserve with a knee injury prior to kickoff and handed the ball off just 12 times Sunday, gaining 55 yards on those carries, while Hassan Haskins coughed up a fumble on his only touch of the game. Thankfully, the defense did its job, logging four interceptions of Kirk Cousins (including a pick-six by rookie Tarheeb Still) and stripping Cousins for what would have been a fifth turnover had the Falcons not recovered. The Bolts also held firm in the red zone, allowing Atlanta to score only one TD on four trips down there. This was a much-needed win after L.A. dropped to 7-4, but it was hardly a statement victory, featuring a reprise of some of the team’s early-season struggles on offense. The offensive line, considered to be a strength coming into the season, has been a disappointment in more games than I imagined it would be.”

ESPN: 9 (Previous: 9)

First-time Pro Bowl nominee: Wide receiver Ladd McConkey

“McConkey has emerged as one of the NFL’s best receivers this season and quarterback Justin Herbert’s most trusted target. McConkey is 13th in the NFL in receiving yards (815) and has the second-most yards among rookies. He is the first Chargers rookie wideout since Keenan Allen to have three 100-plus-yard receiving games, including 117 of the Chargers’ 150 receiving yards (78%) against the Falcons. That was the third-highest percentage of a team’s receiving yards by a single player this season.”

CBS Sports: 8 (Previous: 8)

“Winning on the road at Atlanta was a nice way to bounce back after the Ravens loss. Now comes a tough one at Kansas City against the Chiefs.”

Sports Illustrated: 9 (Previous: 9)

“Another complete and total game from the Chargers’ secondary, which is not just the Derwin James show. The Power Rankings have been a huge fan of Tarheeb Still and he had another massive game against a rusty-looking Falcons offense. Clearly, the Chargers cannot sustain this kind of pace without something developing in terms of a non-Ladd McConkey playmaker, and McConkey was banged up in two different places after carrying a 50% target share in this one and amassing almost all of Justin Herbert’s total passing yards.”

Bleacher Report: 9 (Previous: 9)

“The Chargers took advantage of some huge Atlanta mistakes to snag a win in Week 13, but I’m not sure how sustainable their formula is. Aside from getting four relatively easy interceptions, L.A.’s defense didn’t look great against the Falcons, and it wasn’t good in its previous two games either.

And with J.K. Dobbins (knee) on injured reserve, the Chargers offense looked flat-out bad against Atlanta. Ladd McConkey is quickly developing into a star receiver, but L.A. needs more than one offensive playmaker to be a serious playoff threat.”

Game Balls: 5 standouts from Chargers’ clutch victory over Falcons

The Chargers defense carried the team to victory in Week 13, which included four interceptions off Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins.

The Chargers improved to 3-0 against the NFC South on Sunday with a narrow win over the Falcons. Los Angeles’ defense finished with four interceptions, a major difference in the comeback win.

Here were the team’s biggest standouts in the massive Week 13 victory that vaulted the Chargers to an 8-4 record:

CB Tarheeb Still

What a game for the rookie fifth-rounder. Still had the play of the game in the third quarter with a 61-yard pick six. It completely flipped the momentum in the game and gave the Chargers a 17-10 lead. Earlier in the game, he had another interception. Still was impressive in coverage throughout the day and has earned even more playing time moving forward.

S Derwin James

This was one of the best performances of the season from the star safety. He was all over the field in this contest with several timely plays. The three-time Pro Bowler finished with 10 total tackles, which included a huge tackle for loss on a 3rd-and-1. James clinched the win with a game-sealing interception, his first of the season and ninth of his career.

WR Ladd McConkey

McConkey is quite clearly the Chargers’ best weapon, and he proved that again on Sunday. The rookie caught a career-high nine passes, eight of them in the first half, for 117 yards. Perhaps even more impressively, McConkey continues to play through injuries. He’s quitely become one of the most valuable players on the team, as no other Charger finished with more than two catches.

Daiyan Henley

Henley has been an underrated part of this year’s stellar defense, and that continued on Sunday. He was all over the field and finished the day with 10 total tackles. The Chargers held the talented Falcons offense to just 13 points, and Henley was a huge part of that.

Cameron Dicker

Fans often don’t fully appreciate the advantage of having a reliable kicker. Sunday illustrated just how valuable it is, as it was a primary difference in the result of the game. Dicker went 3-for-3 on his field goal tries, while Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo missed a chip shot in the first half. Ultimately, these two were the difference in the Chargers leaving Atlanta with a win.

NFL playoff picture: What are Chargers’ chances of making postseason after win over Falcons?

The Chargers are in excellent position to play beyond the regular season.

The Chargers beat the Falcons on Sunday, improving their record to 8-4 and their chances of making the playoffs.

According to NFL.com, Los Angeles has a 94% chance of making the playoffs. With the Bolts’ win and the Ravens’ loss to the Eagles on Sunday, L.A. moved back up to the fifth seed.

Here’s a look at the division standings entering Week 14:

1. Chiefs (11-1)

2. Chargers (8-4)

3. Broncos (7-5)

4. Raiders (2-10)

And a look at the playoff picture:

*There are (7) available Playoff spots

1. Chiefs (11-1)

2. Bills (10-2)

3. Steelers (9-3)

4. Texans (8-5)

5. Chargers (8-4)

6. Ravens (8-5)

7. Broncos (7-5)

8. Colts (6-7)

9. Dolphins (5-7)

10. Bengals (4-8)

AFC playoff matchups if the season ended today:

  • No. 2 Bills vs. No. 7 Broncos
  • No. 3 Steelers vs. No. 6 Ravens
  • No. 4 Texans vs. No. 5 Chargers

Chargers PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 13 win over Falcons

Spotlighting Pro Football Focus’ highest and lowest-graded Chargers players from the win over the Falcons.

In Week 13, the Chargers defeated the Falcons, 17-13.

En route to victory, there were some standout performers and others who did not contribute as much.

That said, here are the best and worst performers from Sunday’s contest, according to Pro Football Focus’ player grades.

Top 5 Offense

OT Rashawn Slater — 88.4

QB Justin Herbert — 72.8

WR Ladd McConkey — 72.2

OT Trey Pipkins — 69.4

OL Bradley Bozeman — 68.5

Top 5 Defense

CB Tarheeb Still — 94.0

S Derwin James — 90.9

LB Daiyan Henley — 83.1

S Tony Jefferson — 83.0

EDGE Khalil Mack — 79.5

Bottom 5 Offense

OL Zion Johnson — 56.7

FB Tucker Fisk — 54.2

WR Jalen Reagor — 53.7

WR Derius Davis — 52.5

TE Will Dissly — 49.2

Bottom 5 Defense

DL Teair Tart — 55.2

EDGE Bud Dupree — 52.1

CB Kristian Fulton — 49.5

CB Ja’Sir Taylor — 48.1

DT Otito Ogbonnia — 28.8

Tarheeb Still steals show in Chargers’ win over Falcons: ‘Drug test that man’

The rookie out of Maryland was a ball magnet in Sunday’s victory over the Falcons.

On a day when the Chargers’ offense was a non-factor, the defense stepped up. While it was a collaborative effort, rookie cornerback Tarheeb Still was the biggest difference-maker en route to victory over the Falcons.

Still, the fifth-round pick out of Maryland, had three passes defended and two interceptions, including one that he returned for a 61-yard touchdown.

On the play where Still returned for a score, Darnell Mooney ran an out route. Kirk Cousins did not recognize the coverage, so he threw to Mooney. Still broke, jumped the route and housed it.

After Still’s dominant performance, Daiyan Henley said, “Drug test that man.”

What was said as a joke was actually a reality, as Still was randomly selected to be drug tested. He posted a picture of the slip on his locker on his Instagram story.

Los Angeles held Atlanta to just 13 points as they picked their eighth win of the season.

Chargers pull out gritty win over Falcons: Instant analysis of Week 13 victory

Here’s our recap of the Chargers’ gritty win over the Falcons behind a four-interception performance.

The Chargers defeated the Falcons on Sunday, improving to 8-4.

Here’s our recap of the Week 13 win.

It was over when…

Derwin James intercepted Kirk Cousins with 47 seconds remaining.

Notable number

Per AP Sports’ Joe Reedy, Ladd McConkey’s 105 yards are the most receiving yards by a Chargers rookie in the first half since 1991.

3 stars of the game

  1. WR Ladd McConkey: McConkey was the only productive player in the passing game. He finished the game with a season-high nine receptions for 117 yards.
  2. CB Tarheeb Still: The rookie out of Maryland was a ball magnet, finishing with two interceptions, including one he took back to the house for a touchdown.
  3. S Marcus Maye: This could’ve gone to Derwin James, who closed the game with a pick. But Maye, who was signed just this past week after being released by the Dolphins, had one in the end zone on the drive right before.

Quick hits

  • The Chargers’ offense was underwhelming. They failed to find the end zone the entire game, even on their two trips to the red zone.
  • Their only offensive points came from Cameron Dicker’s three made field goals.
  • The Chargers were 3-of-14 on third down. They had 187 yards of total offense.
  • The second-half offensive struggles continued. They only picked up two first downs on four drives.
  • The Falcons entered this game with one of the worst pressure rates, only having ten sacks. Atlanta flipped the switch, as they lived in the Chargers’ backfield. Justin Herbert was sacked five times.
  • Gus Edwards and Kimani Vidal combined for ten rushes, finishing with 5.3 and 5.0 yards per carry, respectively.
  • Aside from McConkey, the pass-catching group was lackluster. Quentin Johnston was the next productive receiver, with only 14 yards on two catches. Six pass catchers had just one catch.
  • The defense was why the Chargers came out of this game victorious. Jesse Minter’s unit combined for four interceptions, headlined by Still, who had two, one he returned for a score.
  • The run defense held its own, limiting a good backfield of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier to 3.5 yards per carry.

What’s next?

The Chargers are on the road again to face the Chiefs next Sunday night, Dec. 8, at 5:20 pm PT.

Chargers highlight: Tarheeb Still’s second interception gives Los Angeles the lead

Tarheeb Still is on a tear.

Tarheeb Still is on a tear.

After intercepting Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins in the second quarter to give the Chargers some much-needed momentum, Still mostly watched Atlanta throw it to the other side of the field or run the ball.

That was a good strategy for the Falcons, who have continued to move the ball effectively against Jesse Minter’s defense. Atlanta put together another long drive late in the third quarter, driving with a 10-9 lead while converting a fourth down to take the ball over midfield.

The Chargers, meanwhile, had asked Ladd McConkey to be the entire offense. A normally dormant Falcons pass rush has sacked Justin Herbert four times, making things hard for LA all day.

Los Angeles needed a spark.

Still provided it when the Falcons went for a second fourth down of the drive, dropping back to pass on 4th-and-5 from the Chargers’ 40-yard line. Still and safety Marcus Maye confused Cousins on the coverage, giving the rookie a prime opportunity to jump a curl route and nearly walk into the end zone from 61 yards away.

The Chargers went for two after that. Justin Herbert fired a strike over the middle to Joshua Palmer, making it 17-10 Chargers with 1:39 left in the third quarter.

Chargers highlight: Tarheeb Still picks off Kirk Cousins

Tarheeb Still has had a great rookie season.

How good has Tarheeb Still been this season?

Many were surprised by the fifth-round pick, as the former Maryland product spent most of the pre-draft process as an anonymous name, but injuries and Still’s great play have landed him in the lineup more and more often this season.

With fellow rookie Cam Hart out with an ankle injury and Asante Samuel Jr. still on injured reserve with a shoulder issue, Still has once again been pressed into action on Sunday against the Falcons. The Chargers struggled to gain momentum in the first quarter, as a Hassan Haskins fumble set up a touchdown for the Falcons.

But on the first play of the second quarter, Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins double-clutched a throw to avoid having his arm hit by a Chargers pass rusher. The action allowed Still to come off a deep route from Drake London and drive on a curl route underneath, jumping the route and intercepting Cousins to get the Chargers the ball back.

It’s Still’s second interception of the season, and it comes at a time when Los Angeles seemed to be searching for answers on defense.

The Chargers turned the ensuing drive into a 51-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker, cutting the lead to 7-6.

Staff predictions for Chargers vs. Falcons

Find out who the Chargers Wire staff is picking between Los Angeles and Atlanta in Week 13.

The Los Angeles Chargers kick off Week 13 against the Atlanta Falcons.

Who is going to come out victorious?

Here is a look at the predictions from each of our writers at Chargers Wire:

Gavino:

The Chargers look to bounce back after losing to the Ravens last Monday. Los Angeles enters this game on a short week, while the Falcons come into this one well-rested after their bye. Offensively for the Bolts, I expect Justin Herbert to shred a Falcons defense that has struggled against the pass. On the other side of the ball, I see Jesse Minter’s unit getting back on track after surrendering 57 points combined in the last two weeks. Kirk Cousins is not on the same level as Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson. Bijan Robinson is also no Derrick Henry. Chargers 27, Falcons 21

Alex K:

Atlanta’s defense doesn’t have the resources to compete with Justin Herbert and Ladd McConkey if both come out sharp, but the Falcons offense is getting healthier and has been effective moving the ball this season. Expect a fairly high-scoring affair that the Chargers can pull out with some key plays on special teams. Chargers 30, Falcons 23