For the second straight week, the Falcons have dominated their opponent in an impressive first half performance. They lead 15-7 against a desperate San Diego Chargers squad, which could see its playoff dreams go down the tubes with a loss. The Falcons have tallied 207 yards of net offense against a hapless Chargers defense. Matt Ryan found Justin Peele for a 18-yard touchdown in the second quarter to extend the lead to 13-7 and give Atlanta its touchdown of the half. Ryan finished the half with 133 yards through the air.
If not for poor red-zone execution, the Falcons could be up much more. Two drives stalled deep in San Diego territory, resulting in two Jason Elam field goals. The Falcons also couldn’t convert from the Charger 2-yard line late in the half, where they turned the ball over on downs after Michael Turner was stopped on the goal line on fourth-and-goal from the 1.
John Abraham was the final source of offense for the Falcons. He forced Phillip Rivers into intentional grounding in his own end zone, resulting in a safety to increase the lead to 15-7. The Chargers scored after a Harry Douglas muffed punt gave them great field position. LaDainian Tomlinson would score soon after with a 3-yard run.
Bagriansky can be reached at jbagriansky@scoreatl.com.
Loading ...
