In a last-second affair in which the Bolts typically blow, the Chargers beat the Falcons – coming away with a HUGE victory. Huge, not because it was the upset of a lifetime, not because it was a major comeback – but because this keeps the Chargers in the playoff picture. Are we really talking about the playoff standings this early? In the loaded AFC the Bolts find themselves, yes – yes we are.
There’s quite a difference between 4-4, and 5-3; and while I hate to beat a dead horse, that would also put the Broncos within just one game of the Chargers. And that’s just the AFC West – let alone a conference that features the surging Jets and dominant Dolphins who will also be competing for a Wild Card spot.
Lastly, this is a huge game in terms of defining moments go for the season. The Chargers have been, well, shaky to say the least to start out the year. In a season riddled with injuries to key players – the Chargers found themselves with losses to the Seahawks and Jaguars – with games too close for comfort against the Browns and Texans, too. And the Falcons aren’t the slouch many people thought they’d be this year, either. Rather than a team competing for the first overall pick, Atlanta is now competing (and was in first place for) a DIVISION. So, for the Chargers to come out on top, it meant a lot.
Here’s what we saw, and learned:
The Chargers Will be OK Without Allen/Williams
In the first half, it was like the Chargers weren’t even missing their top two wide receivers. Palmer, Everett, and the occasional DeAndre Carter were getting open and making plays. The drops were limited, which is what one would expect to see with a decimated group. And yet – they were rock solid! Granted, when the second half began with a couple of big drops, we got a better look at what life without Slay/Mike Dub looked like – and then, sure enough, they ultimately came up big time in the end.
Now, it’s also worth noting that the Atlanta Falcons came into the game with one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL. So, let’s take Sunday with a grain of salt. However, what we Chargers fans saw on the field, regardless of the opponent, is that this group is capable without their stars. Most of us fans would’ve loved to see the Bolts make a move for a receiver who could fill in during this battered, desolate time – but clearly, things are okay. Again, not ideal, but capable…
The Chargers Run Defense Still Sucks
Even after making some solid pick-ups to address this problem in the offseason, it’s clear that the Chargers’ run defense remains one of the worst in the league. You’d think this would’ve been obvious after we all saw Nick Chubb and Kenneth Walker have their way with the run d – but to be fair, they’ve also been doing that to other teams, as well. Now, the Mariota/Patterson combination isn’t half bad, either – especially when you add the efforts of Huntley and Algier mixed in.
BUT, let’s not give them too much credit, and let’s get back to the point. If the Chargers want to do anything significant this year – or in the near future – this isn’t going to cut it. And to make matters worse – the trade deadline just passed by without a single move. This could be the Chargers’ demise, just as we fans have seen in the past. Luckily, the Chargers were able to limit the rushing yards in the second half – so you better believe my fingers are crossed that the Bolts finally were able to figure something out.
The Chargers Offense Found Their Groove
Ever since Justin Herbert became the face of the franchise, Chargers fans have been spoiled with shots downfield at a success rate not seen since the Vincent Jackson/Malcom Floyd or Air Coryell era. But, after the crucial injury to Herbo’s ribs, and a handful of weeks relying on the run game- it appears that the Chargers have finally found their flow on Offense. Dink, dunk, and open up the run game (which yes, also includes short passes to Ekeler). Ironically, the rushing attack was not up to the par that’s been set in previous weeks – but it wasn’t nearly as significant with the way in which Herbert picked apart the atrocious Falcons D.
What we’ve been seeing throughout the first half of the season is an Offense that is adjusting, locating what works according to their circumstances, and finding a way to be successful during what’s been a funky year, to say the least. When the Chargers ran their way to a victory against Texans, Browns, and Broncos – it appeared that the Bolts’ identity had officially changed until further notice. Well, it appears like that notice is here at the most unlikely of times. But oh boy, did it feel good to see Herbert slinging it. Sure, it wasn’t downfield as well as have daydreams about – but it was effective, nonetheless.
Conclusion: The Chargers Moving Forward
Clearly, there’s not much of a “broad stroke” plan for the rest of the Chargers season, as there’s too many variables to even speculate any sort of plan. But if there was such a thing in this crazy league, in this already crazy season – it’s these two things: balance the run with the pass on Offense, and stop the f*cking run on Defense. Now, here’s what it gets tricky – both of these focal points are technically in the Chargers’ control – but with the period of years in which the run defense has been this bad; it’s almost as if this one is not in LA’s control at all.
So what do the Chargers do? Make adjustments. It’s what the Offense is doing to win games. Oh, the passing game isn’t working? They’ll find a way for Ekeler/Kelley/Michel to carry the squad. Oh, the Falcons ran for 100+ yards in the first half? Guess what, they’ll at least limit the damage in the second.
It’s what all great teams do – they don’t just rely on talent, they rely on a unique blend of preparation and improvisation. You saw it last night when the Chiefs squeaked past the Titans – Travis Kelce was consistently double-teamed, so Noah Gray emerged and proved impactful. When the gameplan isn’t going your way, you don’t keep trying to force it – you take what’s given to you – just like Justin Herbert taking 5-7 yard throws all across the field.
All in all, it was a fun and inspiring match to watch – one which gives us Chargers fans hopes for the season, once again. Let’s see if Staley and the gang can continue to adjust and not just play, but win on the fly as the second half of the season commences. Sure, the Super Bowl might seem a little far-fetched (for now) – but the post-season? It’s doable. And if that goal isn’t met, then there are other problems at hand. But for now, we fans celebrate a hard-earned victory, and a challenge to look forward next week in San Francisco – an even better yardstick game.