Tag: Chargers-Falcons

Studs and duds from Chargers’ victory over Falcons

Here’s who came through and who disappointed in the Chargers’ victory over the Falcons.

The Chargers escaped with a 20-17 victory over the Falcons on Sunday following a game-winning field goal by rookie Cameron Dicker.

Here’s who pulled through for the victory and who needed help from their teammates to pull it out.

Stud: Drue Tranquill

Tranquill’s breakout season continued Sunday morning with another stellar performance. The linebacker has excelled as a blitzer this season, a trend that carried through the bye week as Tranquill added another sack by dominating Falcons guard Matt Hennessy on his way to the quarterback. Cordarrelle Patterson did truck Tranquill on his second TD of the game, but for the most part he got into position as a defender and got the job done. With ten total tackles and two for loss, Tranquill continued to show why he deserves a contract extension.

Dud: Drops

This was mostly a third-quarter issue, but drops killed multiple drives for the Chargers that made this game closer than it needed to be. Gerald Everett dropped a pass up the seam on the first play of the second half, causing them to go three and out. On the following drive, Josh Palmer dropped a pass directly at his chest, leading to a Justin Herbert interception off the tip. Everett and Palmer have had drop issues all season, and they’re lucky their mistakes this week did not cost Los Angeles the game.

Stud: Michael Davis

Davis performed very well after being reinserted in the starting lineup after J.C. Jackson’s patellar tendon injury, and it’s clear that this defense is more frequently on the same page assignment-wise when Davis is on the field. Davis was at his best when he was able to jam Drake London at the line of scrimmage, as he did when the Falcons ran London on a fade in the end zone in the second half. The corner was also in position to make tackles when playing as a zone defender and was one of the few defenders who did not noticeably miss any tackles.

Dud: Sony Michel

With Joshua Kelley on injured reserve, the past few weeks have been Michel’s opportunity to cement himself as the clear RB2 option, at least until Kelley returns. Instead, the veteran was phased out in favor of rookie Isaiah Spiller, who out-touched Michel seven to one in this game. Michel was another victim of a costly drop on a second down play and was barely visible in the game after this. Spiller, meanwhile, took seven carries for a pedestrian 29 yards but showed flashes of brilliance as a pass protector. Even if Michel and Spiller are equals at this point, there’s no reason not to play Spiller over the veteran to continue to develop the rookie.

Stud: Run blocking

Trey Pipkins looked healthier in this game until leaving late in the fourth quarter, and it showed in the run game against Atlanta. Pipkins and Zion Johnson moved the Falcons off the line of scrimmage, opening lanes for Ekeler and Spiller to at least get a few yards. Hopefully, Pipkins’ injury is not serious because the Chargers finally looked like they had their rest-of-season offensive line at something resembling 100% in this game. Between Jamaree Salyer, Matt Feiler, Corey Linsley, Johnson, and Pipkins, L.A has the potential to at least keep the run game afloat to keep defenses honest.

Dud: Run fits

Defensively, the trenches have work to do. The Chargers continue to struggle to fit the run even with their free-agent additions, largely because their second-level defenders are simply not performing at a high level. Kyle Van Noy played better than Chris Rumph has in the past few weeks, but he still doesn’t quite have the mass to set the edge on the outside. If Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson, who left the game with a knee injury, do not play every play perfectly, it’s guaranteed to be a seven to ten-yard gain. It’s hard to say what the issue is at this point. The team is dealing with injuries, Joey Bosa chief amongst them. It shouldn’t be a talent problem, given the additions. Whatever it is, something needs to be adjusted.

Stud: Khalil Mack

The stat-sheet doesn’t show that Mack had a huge impact on this game, but he’s on here primarily for one play only. Taking the ball away from an NFL receiver as Mack did is a grown-man play. There’s no other way to say it. The situation that play came in is an important factor to consider: the Chargers were leading 14-10 when Mack forced this fumble. Atlanta would have been inside the five-yard line if London went down, and the way their run game was working, they would’ve almost certainly scored a touchdown. Instead, Mack preserved the lead going into halftime and retained LA’s momentum.

Dud: Defensive gameplan

I don’t think the Chargers’ defense played this Falcons’ offense as well as they could have, but they were bailed out on numerous occasions by Marcus Mariota simply missing throws. In their defense, Los Angeles was forced into making some of the decisions I specifically thought they should try to mitigate because of the game state. But Atlanta found success on play-action readily as defenders crashed down to defend against the run, and Mariota frequently put flat defenders into conflict by getting outside the pocket with a short route over the top. Yes, L.A. held Atlanta to 17 points, which should be credited accordingly. But they allowed 201 rushing yards and would’ve given up two or three huge passing plays if Mariota was able to hit a few of the throws that he missed today.

Everything to know from Chargers’ thrilling win over Falcons

Highlighting all the important stuff from the Chargers’ Week 9 victory over the Falcons.

You might’ve heard me say this before, but it wouldn’t be a Chargers win without doing so in nail-biting fashion.

And that’s what happened at Mercedes Benz Stadium on Sunday, as Los Angeles squeaked out a victory over the Falcons.

To recap the Bolts’ 20-17 win, here is everything to know.

Chargers vs. Falcons: 5 storylines to follow in Week 9

Here are five important things to watch during the Chargers’ matchup with the Falcons.

The Chargers return to the field after their bye week, as they’re on the road set to take on the Falcons.

Here are five storylines to watch for Sunday’s matchup.

Doing with what they got

The storyline leading to the trade deadline was if the Chargers were going to trade for a receiver, given that their top three at the position had been dealing with their perspective injuries and lacked speed. They did not.

Keenan Allen is out after he reaggravated his hamstring during the bye week. Mike Williams is out for the next few weeks with a high ankle sprain. Josh Palmer, who was out in Week 7 with a concussion, will play.

That leaves Palmer as the No. 1 wideout. DeAndre Carter is questionable. Behind them, it’s Michael Bandy, Jason Moore, and Keelan Doss, who was promoted from the practice squad.

While they are limited at the position, the Bolts could possibly get by, considering the Falcons are 30th in pass defense DVOA. They will be without starting cornerbacks Casey Hayward and A.J. Terrell.

How is Herbert?

Justin Herbert has not been the same since he injured his ribs against the Chiefs, and he will be dealing with this injury in some capacity for the remainder of the season. But when he takes the field on Sunday, it will be nearly two months since he fractured his ribs.

Therefore, it’s worth monitoring if Herbert can finally establish some comfortability in how he’s playing, whether it be taking hits, moving around inside and outside the pocket, and trusting his receivers to make throws down the field more often than not.

Can the run game come to life?

The Chargers have been inconsistent on the ground and are 28th in rushing offense DVOA. But, again, injuries have been a significant factor.

They have been without Rashawn Slater, who ruptured his biceps. Corey Linsley has been healthy for only three games. Trey Pipkins has been playing with a sprained MCL. The tight ends have been inconsistent as blockers. Further, they’re missing their most productive rusher in Joshua Kelley.

But something will eventually have to give if they want to avoid their offense from being so inefficient.

Austin Ekeler has been good, but he’s been more active in the passing game. Sony Michel has been effective as a short-yardage specialist but nothing more. Rookie Isaiah Spiller deserves more looks at this point, even if it means sacrificing his snaps as a pass blocker.

Finding the EDGE

Another position that the Chargers are very thin is edge defender. Joey Bosa has been out with a groin injury. But they will also be without Chris Rumph II, who has a sprained MCL.

Los Angeles will turn to Kyle Van Noy to start opposite Khalil Mack, with Derek Tuszka and recently acquired Jeremiah Attaochu serving as the rotational edge defenders.

After moving across the field, Van Noy will be a mainstay off the edge for at least the next couple of weeks. He is coming off his best pass-rushing performance so far, as he had four pressures against the Seahawks.

Eliminate the explosive plays

The Chargers have given up the sixth-most explosive plays of any defense in the NFL with 55 — 18 rushes and 37 passes. The big carries have come from not being gap-sound up front and defenders taking bad angles and missing tackles in open space. And there have been far too many busted coverages.

The Falcons have one of the better offensive units, ranking No. 10 in rushing offense DVOA. Further, they run a lot of play-action off the running game, where wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts each have six explosive receptions.

5 key things to know about Chargers’ Week 9 opponent: Falcons

To get you prepped for the Chargers’ Week 9 matchup with the Falcons, here are some important things to know about them.

Fresh off their bye week, the Chargers travel to meet with the Falcons on Nov. 6 at 11:00 am PT.

To get you prepped for the Week 9 bout, here are five key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.

New guy under center

The Falcons signed Marcus Mariota this offseason after trading away Matt Ryan to the Colts. Up to this point in the season, Mariota has been serviceable for Atlanta. Mariota has thrown for 1,432 yards, ten touchdowns and six interceptions with a passer rating of 92.7. But in the last three games, he’s had a passer rating of over 100. While he’s passed the ball well in recent weeks, Mariota has made his money running in the ball. He has 55 carries for 280 yards and three scores this season.

Cordarrelle could be back

The Falcons designated Cordarrelle Patterson to return to practice after he was placed on the injured reserve after Week 4. Before he went on the IR, Patterson was fourth in the NFL in rushing (340 yards). Patterson had a career year in 2021, leading Atlanta in rushing (618 yards), in touchdowns (11) and finishing third in receiving (548 yards). The 10-year veteran brings a unique skill set as he spent the first eight years as a wide receiver.

One-two punch

Even though the Falcons have missed their best guy in the backfield, they still got plenty of production on the ground with rookie Tyler Allgeier and second-year Caleb Huntley. Allgeier has 324 rushing yards, 3.9 yards per attempt and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Huntley is averaging 4.6 yards per carry, and has forced 13 missed tackles. Allgeier and Huntley establishing themselves as productive backs could also allow the Falcons to move Patterson around more if he returns.

Imposing presences along the interior

The Falcons’ defensive line has some studs up front with Grady Jarrett and emerging star Ta’Quon Graham. Jarrett has 25 pressures, 15 hurries and five sacks. Graham, on the other hand, has 12 pressures and the second-most quarterback hits (six). But along with their high-level ability to get after the passer, the two are forces against the run.

Suspect secondary

The Falcons could be heading into this week without some key pieces in the defensive backfield, starting cornerbacks Casey Hayward and A.J. Terrell. Hayward is on the injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Terrell remained out of practice on Wednesday or Thursday with a hamstring injury. If Terrell is out, Atlanta will field second-year Darren Hall and recently acquired via trade from the Chiefs, Rashad Fenton. Heading into Week 9, the Falcons have one of the league’s worst passing defenses, allowing the most yards per game (306.9), the second-most yards per attempt (7.7) and the third-most touchdowns (14).

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.

Twitter reacts to Chargers’ victory over Falcons

The Chargers were finally able to close out a game.

It was a sight that Chargers fans haven’t been used to, as kicker Michael Badgley connected from 43 yards out to put the game to bed as time expired, defeating the Falcons, 20-17.

After Los Angeles’ victory over Atlanta, let’s see how the general population reacted.

Prediction poll for matchup between Chargers, Falcons

Make your predictions for the Week 14 matchup.

The Los Angeles Chargers are set to face off against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 1:25 p.m. PT at SoFi Stadium.

The Chargers are mathematically out of playoff contention, with players and coaches fighting for their jobs while the Falcons are auditioning for their next head coach and general manager.

Offensively, Los Angeles is coming off their worst performance yet, failing to produce anything through the air and on the ground. As a result, they put up a goose egg for the first time this season. Defensively, L.A. continues to be aggressive against the pass, but opposing offenses have had success by pounding the rock.

Meanwhile, Atlanta’s offense has revolved around a passing attack with quarterback Matt Ryan and his two go-to targets, Calvin Ridley and Julio Jones. Jones, however, will be out this weekend with an injury. Defensively, the Falcons have been stout against the run while they’ve struggled to defend the pass.

I expect the Week 14 battle to be a high scoring affair, as both defenses have been suspect this season. However, due to all of the ongoing coaching blunders that the Chargers have been experiencing, especially on special teams, Atlanta will take advantage of their woes. I’ve got Atlanta winning by the score of 28-24.

What do you guys think? Post in the poll below.