Atlanta Falcons (4-5) – Los Angeles Chargers (5-3): 17-20
If the first half was played in alternating current, with each team taking the advantage in turn in the first two quarters, the second period is a story of turnovers and canceled actions.
Losses of balls which are linked in quick succession both in the third quarter and in the last quarter. But at the fateful moment it was Los Angeles who rebounded to win the decision. The Chargers played to scare each other. But there are also brilliant actions canceled for Patterson and Ekeler which could have tilted the meeting.
Finally the match was hooked, and knew how to work its spectacular.
A quarter time each
From the first series the Falcons play on their strength by insisting on the ground, and faced with a wait-and-see defense glean 5 yards per action without much difficulty. Tyler Allgeier (99 yards) pierces 44 yards before Cordarrelle Patterson (53 yards, 2 TD) converts then Younghoe Koo (1/2 FG, 2/2 XP) passes 3 points. But good things come to an end.
Because the game is gradually reversed. Side Chargers, the Californians initially seem very helpless in the absence of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. The attack chained 3&out and penalties while in defense only Drue Tranquill (10 TKL, 1 sack) stood out. It was not until the second quarter time to see Los Angeles get into the rhythm, progress and pick up the score through Austin Ekeler (71 yards, 2 TD) on the ground. It’s the whiplash that wakes Justin Herbert’s men (30/43, 245 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT): the quarterback finds Michael Bandy (26 yards) and Joshua Palmer (106 yards) and just before the break Ekeler signs the double on reception. The Californians return to the locker room in the lead 10-14.
It’s all about bullet losses
At the start of the second period, Atlanta seemed to find its game plan. The Falcons bludgeoned on the ground, advanced to the red zone, but Drake London (23 yards) had the leather stolen by Khalil Mack (2 TKL) who raise in midcourt. Just enough time for two actions, and Richie Grant (11 TKL, 1 PD) intercepts a deflected ball to once again reverse the game in the other direction. This time the Georgians do not tremble and Patterson tears the defensive curtain to pass the line.
Launched in their tracks, the Falcons try to stifle the meeting. Their running game devours the clock and Marcus Mariota (12/23, 129 yards) improvises Patrick Mahomes. Under pressure the quarterback gallops, escapes and finds Allgeier for 24 yards. The effort is magnificent but insufficient to bring back points, and Atlanta leaves the meeting within reach of Los Angeles. We believe for a moment in the sanction through an Ekeler who rolls on his tackler to escape along the line, but the game is called back. Finally the Chargers equalize on a kick, there are 5 minutes to play.
Like the match, the decision is played on a double fumble. Arriving in the red zone within winning kick distance, Ekeler pierces to bring his kicker closer, and loses the ball which is thrown back by the defense. But Ta’Quon Graham in turn loses the leather and returns it to the Californians. More fear than harm for Herbert who turns on Palmer for 22 yards and regains lost ground. Cameron Dicker lines up his kick, and Los Angeles snatches success from the hands of the Falcons. 17-20 at the final whistle.
WHAT just happened in Atlanta?!
📺: #LACvsATL on FOX
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