The Chargers will be without some of their top offensive weapons on Sunday. How does this affect what the Falcons can do in the secondary?
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — I know, I know: You’re probably preparing mentally, physically and emotionally to watch some college football this great Saturday. Don’t worry, I’m doing that too. This may interest you : Operation Football Cheerleaders of the Week: Martinsville High School. But don’t forget that there is a pretty big game in Atlanta on Sunday as well, with the Falcons facing the Chargers at home.
Atlanta is pushing through some injuries, but so is L.A. It’s a matchup that at one point looked to tilt the Chargers way, but with the Falcons back to .500 it feels like it could be anyone’s game.
So, as you unload your tailgate food, or are making sure the TV is tuned to the right channel, sit back and take a quick look at this “Five Must-Sees” the week as the Falcons host the Chargers on Sunday.
1. Availability of Cordarrelle Patterson
1. Cordarrelle Patterson’s availability
It’s the question on everyone’s mind, right? Well, perhaps the question on every fantasy owner’s mind: How much – or how little – will we see of Patterson on Sunday against the Chargers? This may interest you : Roster Changes: The Jaguars sign S Deionte Thompson to the practice squad.
Patterson returned to practice this week after being on injured reserve following a minor knee procedure four weeks ago. The veteran running back said Wednesday that he’s probably as close to 100 percent as he’s going to get.
“I’d say about 90 percent,” Patterson said. “At this moment, nobody is 100 percent. We are in Week 9 so nobody is going to feel 100 percent, so you feel at 90 percent right now, I feel pretty good.”
When asked about Patterson’s availability on Friday, Arthur Smith said the coaching staff will make a decision on Saturday. Patterson is very much headed toward a return, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the Falcons announced they would be going back off injured reserve soon.
The question is almost not whether Patterson will return, it is how much we will see of him when he does.
The Falcons are on a short week after the Chargers game on Sunday, and have to face Carolina on the road next Thursday night. Could Patterson’s usage on Sunday be limited due to the short week? Smith said you can’t look at it that way as a coach. You’re only worried about the next game, he said, not the next game.
Regardless, Patterson’s return points to a good problem for the Falcons as Tyler Allgeier and Caleb Huntley have done very well for themselves in Patterson’s absence. Over the last four games, Allgeier has accumulated 185 rushing yards, averaging just over three yards a carry with two touchdowns (one receiving and one rushing). At the same time, Huntley did even better. The elevation of the previous practice squad exceeded the 200-yard rushing mark during the last four games. He averaged 4.5 yards a carry.
So, no. The Falcons aren’t hurting for production in a hurry. Allgeier and Huntley have done pretty well for themselves. But that Patterson would add another later to the Falcons offense. It’s one that Smith said he’s excited to get back.
2. Offensive line shakeup
Staying on the topic of offensive moves, the Falcons ruled out left guard Elijah Wilkinson before Sunday’s game. On the same subject : Courtland Sutton plays with a defender for a 35-yard reception Broncos vs. Texas. Wilkinson did not participate in practice this week as he deals with a knee injury.
The veteran guard was one of the best – if not incredibly overlooked – acquisitions of the offseason by the Falcons’ front office. Left guard has been a position that has varied a lot in recent years in Atlanta. During the first half of the season, Wilkinson brought a consistency that one could argue that the position will not see for a long time.
Wilkinson will miss Sunday’s game, however, and potentially more with that knee injury. Instead, it looks like Matt Hennessy could be trending in the direction he brings in.
Although it was Colby Gossett who filled in for Wilkinson in Seattle when Wilkinson had to miss the Seahawks game due to a personal issue, Hennessy took the majority of the first-team left guard reps during the open practice periods this week.
How Hennessy – or even Gossett – fairs in the absence of Wilkinson will be something to monitor on Sunday.
3. Another test for the Falcons secondary
3. Yet another test for the Falcons secondary
Dean Pees had high praise for Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert this week, praising his arm strength as well as his accuracy during his media availability.
“I think he’s very smart and I think they have a great system that fits him very, very well. I give them credit, too. They do things to help all the quarterbacks, but he’s an exceptional talent,” Pees said. “He’s one of those new young quarterbacks like (Josh) Allen that come along and they’re just the next Peyton Mannings and Bradys and those guys. They are. They’re good. They’re really good.”
After facing Joe Burrow and Co. two weeks ago, and P.J. Walker and D.J. Moore last week without the likes of Casey Hayward, A.J. Terrell and Jaylinn Hawkins, the Falcons secondary will face another test with Herbert on Sunday. Although Hayward is likely on long-term injured reserve, and Terrell is still out with a hamstring injury, the Falcons got some good news with Hawkins returning from concussion protocol this week. He is expected to play on Sunday.
However, it is still likely that the starting cornerbacks will be Darren Hall and Cornell Armstrong, the latter of whom was individually targeted 17 times in the last two weeks.
For what it’s worth, though, the Chargers and Herbert will be without some of their most productive offensive playmakers on Sunday, too.
Wide receivers Mike Williams (ankle) and Keenan Allen (hamstring) have been ruled out of Sunday’s game, as has tight end Donald Parham (hamstring). William’s absence is most notable as he accounts for nearly 500 receiving yards through the first seven games of the season. Meanwhile, DeAndre Carter (illness) was listed as questionable on Friday. The only good news for the Chargers is that they will see the return of receiver Josh Palmer who has been working through concussion protocol.
How the matchup of the Falcons and Chargers with their defensive backs and receiving weapons could be the matchup of the game.
4. Limiting explosives
I said this after the Falcons’ loss in Cincinnati two weeks ago. I said it again after the overtime win against the Panthers last Sunday. So, third time’s a charm, right?
Sticking with the defense a little longer, the biggest difference in the success of this unit lies in how often they can limit explosive plays. Over the last two games, the Falcons have given up 17 explosive plays of 20 yards or more (10 against the Bengals and seven against the Panthers). This was a lingering issue as the Falcons gave up 174 yards of offense through explosive plays in the fourth quarter of the loss to the Saints in Week 1.
Atlanta knows what the Chargers have to do with Herbert in the pocket: Cut that strong, accurate arm loose, right? Right
If the Falcons can better limit the explosives (particularly those that were accumulated on third down) it could be the difference in the game.
5. A need to start fast
As I pointed out extensively in my notebook on Monday, the Falcons offense saw on Sunday why it is so important to start every game on the right foot. Against Carolina, a slow start hindered the offensive production of the Falcons, who eventually played a part in the teams going to overtime.
Like the defensive unit above, these slow starts are something that are most obvious in losses and close games. The issue, however, is that there really isn’t a simple answer on how to rectify the issue. If you look at it, the slow start the offense of Atlanta had this year actually have different causes.
Despite this, however, the most obvious way this could change is if the Falcons don’t give up negative plays as an offense. So, we’re talking tackles for loss and sacks.
Against the Panthers on Sunday, those negative plays are what contributed to Atlanta only having 50 net yards of offense by the end of the first half. Although Carolina wasn’t doing much better at that point, for Atlanta to have the start it wants — and needs — that number likely needs to be over 100.
Can they get off to a hot start on Sunday against the Chargers? It could be quite a confidence booster for this offense if he can.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #37 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Damiere Byrd #14 before practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 and quarterbacks coach Charles London during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons safety Erik Harris #23 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #4 listens to coach Charles London during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 and wide receiver Damiere Byrd #14 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter #9 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons coach Dean Pees during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
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Atlanta Falcons safety Jovante Moffatt #20 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham #95 and defensive lineman Timmy Horne #93 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #37 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons long snapper Liam McCullough #48 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 before practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022. (Damiere Byrd/Atlanta Falcons Photo)
Damiere Byrd/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 poses as wide receiver Damiere Byrd #14 takes pictures before practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #37 before practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Kobe Smith #72 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 and tight end Kyle Pitts #8 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons tight end Feleipe Franks #15 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons safety Jovante Moffatt #20 and cornerback Mike Ford #28 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood /Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #4 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
A detail view of scratches on a helmet during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Drew Dalman #67 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Rashad Fenton #21 and coach Steven King during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley #42 and running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
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How can I watch the Los Angeles Chargers game?
Ways to watch Chargers – App, TV, Streaming and Radio | Los Angeles Chargers â Chargers.com
- CBS. Watch Chargers games live on CBS. …
- FOX. Watch Chargers games live on FOX. …
- NBC. Watch Chargers games live, locally. …
- ESPN. Watch Monday Night Football live on ESPN. …
- NFL Network. …
- NFL Red Zone. …
- DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket.
Does YouTube TV have the Chargers game? YouTube TV also offers Fox, NBC, CBS, ESPN, and NFL Network, so you can watch every Chargers game if you live in the Chargers broadcast area. The service costs $64.99 per month. The live streaming service also includes a DVR and supports a number of streaming devices.
What channel can I watch the Chargers game on today?
What channel is the Chargers Chiefs game on? Week 11 Sunday football action concludes when the Kansas City Chiefs play the Los Angeles Chargers tonight on NBC.
