Week 7 Game Recap: Chargers @ Falcons “What You Gonna Do When Philip & The Kids Run Wild On You?”
Philip Rivers and the kids were out for another win this weekend, in Atlanta, against the Falcons.
Tyrell Williams quickly hauled in a 49-yard bomb from Rivers, and we were off and rolling. Shortly after that, Melvin Gordon, scored a two-yard touchdown for the contest’s first score of the day. The Falcons settled for two field goals early, making the score 7-6 Chargers.
The Chargers were on the move again, but settled for a field goal of their own. 10-6 San Diego early 2nd quarter.
Matt Ryan, moving the ball quite easily himself, found Jacob Tamme, touchdown Atlanta. It was the Falcons first lead of the day, 13-10 Falcons, and momentum started to shift in their favor. With 6:07 remaining, Falcons’ running back Tevin Coleman scored a touchdown, 20-10 Falcons. Like myself, I’m sure many Charger fans felt at least concerned at this point in the game.
The swing wasn’t all due to the Falcons play though. In fact, Griff Whalen‘s poorly judged kick return gave Atlanta a short field. Coupled with a brief three and out on offense, things were spiraling for the Chargers. Shortly after, during a San Diego possession, Rivers fumbled away the ball in his red zone. The result was an Atlanta recovery inside the goal line by defensive end Adrian Clayborn. Score now 27-10 Falcons, with 4:31 remaining in the second quarter. Chargers’ fans were becoming distraught.
In what I can only describe as San Diego’s turning point, momentum swung late in the second quarter. Dexter McCluster hit early on the ensuing kick return, was awarded an additional 15 yards on a penalty. San Diego quickly moves down the field. Melvin Gordon bullied his way for a three-yard touchdown with 1:05 remaining in the second quarter. 17-27 Atlanta, prior to halftime.
Third Quarter:
The Chargers defense started to put up a fight. Julio Jones and the running back tandem of Devonta Freeman & Tevin Coleman were very effective prior to this point. However, anyone who has ever witnessed a Philip Rivers lead Chargers team, ought to know they will fight until the game clock shows zero. San Diego added a field goal to close in on Atlanta, 20-27 late third quarter.
Fourth Quarter:
Falcons’ kicker Matt Bryant returned the favor with a field goal. The score was now 30-20 Atlanta, early in the fourth quarter. Melvin Gordon scored his third touchdown to bring the Bolts closer. This particular touchdown was through the air. Score now 27-30 Atlanta, with 5:59 remaining.
What is not to be left out is the tremendous play by Joey Bosa and Denzel Perryman. The future looks bright on defense with these two. Denzel Perryman intercepted a Matt Ryan pass with 3:37 left in the fourth quarter. A huge turnover. The Chargers were able to march down the field, and Josh Lambo tied the game with 18 seconds left in regulation 30-30…Wow, just wow! Somehow, Atlanta got into position for a game-winning field goal attempt by Matt Bryant of 58 yards. His kick nearly went through, but hit off of the upright and just missed. Fittingly, the Chargers were still alive in this game.
Overtime:
The Falcons received the ball first, but were once again stopped. Perryman made another huge play and struck again, a game-saving key tackle for loss on 4th & 1 on Devonta Freeman with 12:00 plus minutes in overtime left in the game. The Chargers offense got into field goal range, and with 9:01 left on the clock, Josh Lambo came onto the field and kicked the game winner.
Notes:
-Antonio Gates had a rough day, but caught a key 4th & two which was huge.
–Joey Bosa had two sacks on Matt Ryan. five total tackles, four of them were solo.
-Denzel Perryman had a key 4th quarter interception and the late game-saving stop in overtime.
3-4 is the Chargers record at the moment. I don’t believe we have seen the last of the San Diego Chargers though.
The AFC West appears to be the home of some of the best football in 2016. Go Bolts!
Studied Journalism at Southwestern College Chula Vista Ca.
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(St Thomas) Raised in the South Bay San Ysidro & Chula Vista Ca.
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Journalism background and avid sports fan. Lifelong Chargers & Padres fan. Hardcore sports historian & statatition (self-proclaimed) Always loved talking and nowadays texting thoughts, opinions and fanhood to mobile devices everywhere.