Falcons at Chargers

8-4 is possible this week for the dirty birds. Who would have thought that? Not even I did. Most people would have been happy with a 4-8 record for this team after 13 weeks with how these guys were expected to play. But play they have beating division leading Carolina last week and in the thick of an NFC playoff picture that could prove to be the hottest in years.

Let’s first take a look at the Falcons as they enter into a chance to take 1st place in the highly contested NFC South. First of all Atlanta has some injuries that I will admit do concern me quite a bit:

 John Abraham suffered a minor concussion against the Panthers last week that has not affected his practicing this week and he is expected to play even though he is listed as questionable on the practice report.  His ability to pressure Phillip Rivers this week will certainly be needed to help relieve the pressure on the Falcons secondary.

 Keith Brooking has a knee injury that also has him listed as questionable. This appears to be more serious than the Abraham injury and could jeopardize No. 56 from playing this week. If this happens expect a big game from both Michael Boley and Curtis Lofton as the Chargers will be looking to exploit the loss of the most seasoned player in the Falcons defense.

 Jerious Norwood suffered a rib injury that should not be a huge factor this weekend and Norwood I am expecting to have a solid game today with this Chargers defensive line having issues stopping the run the way they have of late.

 Laurent Robinson will not play due to a hamstring injury that has been lingering for the last few weeks. Hopefully he can come back soon.

The Chargers represent an opportunity for the Falcons to tie for 1st place in the NFC South. This can be the piviotal game that allows the Falcons to move one step closer to winning the division. Let’s get pumped up Falcons fans and let’s go out there and win this thing!

                                                                       The Bird Speaks!