Instant analysis of Chargers’ 20-17 victory over Falcons

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez recaps Los Angeles’ Week 14 victory over Atlanta.

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The Chargers finally found a way to close one out, defeating the Falcons in the final seconds by the score of 20-17.

Here is my instant analysis from Los Angeles’ Week 14 victory:

Injury Report

Offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga left the game early on in the first quarter and did not return. The diagnostic was a concussion. Later on, guard Trai Turner left with what appeared to be a concussion, too.

Play of the Game: Michael Badgley’s game-winning field goal

After Justin Herbert drove the offense down the field, Badgley executed when it mattered the most to win the game.

Notable Number

25: Justin Herbert is the fourth rookie QB in history with 25 or more touchdown passes, joining Peyton Manning, Russell Wilson and Baker Mayfield.

Quick Takes

Statistically, Justin Herbert put together a decent performance, completing 36 of his 44 passes for 243 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. However, the majority of Herbert’s production came from throws underneath until late as he averaged 5.5 yards per pass, showing the inability to open up the playbook. Nonetheless, it was Herbert’s first career game winning drive.

What more can you say about running back Austin Ekeler? There hasn’t been one bad outing from the former Western Colorado product this season. Ekeler put on a show today, both on the ground and through the air, combining for 146 yards from scrimmage. While Ekeler flourished, credit goes to the guys up front, who had a handful of key blocks.

Wide receiver Keenan Allen caught nearly everything thrown his way, as per usual, recording nine catches for 52 yards and a touchdown. But his teammate, WR Tyron Johnson stepped up today for Mike Williams after he left early in the game with an injury, posting six catches for 55 yards and a score.

After getting gashed on the ground in recent weeks, the Chargers turned things around this weekend, only allowing 70 yards on 20 carries. However, the pass defense was suspect outside of the three interceptions, particularly cornerbacks Casey Hayward, Chris Harris Jr. and free safety Nasir Adderley.

Hayward and Harris Jr. allowed wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage to combine for 13 receptions, 206 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Adderley dealt with tackling woes. As a result, he was benched in favor of Rayshawn Jenkins, who had an interception shortly after.

After Anthony Lynn took over the special teams department, they saw some positive results . Adderley returned a kick for 76 yards. The coverage unit looked sharp. Most notably, kicker Michael Badgley made all of his kicks, including the 43-yard game-winning field goal.

Up Next

The Chargers travel to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders on Thursday, Dec. 17 at 5:20 p.m. PT.