Falcons Red-Hot Offense outmatches the Chargers Defense.
The Atlanta Falcons have dominated the San Diego Chargers, with an all time series 8-1 which includes six straight wins. The last time these two teams played in the Georgia Dome the Falcons, who were lead by Michael Vick, narrowly defeated the Chargers, lead by none other then Drew Brees, 21-20.
Falcons Offense vs. Chargers Defense
The Falcons offense ranks first in total offense (441.5 yards per game), points per game (33.2 PPG), and the second most passing yards per game (329.5 YPG). The Falcons offense is also ninth in rushing (112 YPG). Meanwhile the Chargers defense has allowed the 15th most amount of yards per game (363.2 YPG), ninth most passing yards per game (279.7 YPG), tenth most amount of points given up per game (25.8 PPG) and fifth least rushing yards per game (83.5 YPG). (All statistics are from NFL.com)
Falcons Offensive line vs. Chargers Defensive line
The Falcons offensive line had a horrific first half last week, allowing Matt Ryan to get pressured seemingly every play. Granted though, the Seahawks defense blitzed a lot and the Falcons offensive line was out manned multiple times. The Falcons offensive line would step up and look at bit better in the second half but still couldn’t run effectively.
The Chargers defensive line is lead by third overall pick Joey Bosa. In his first NFL game (week 5) Bosa had seven pressures and two sacks. The Chargers have 14 sacks through five games. Bosa isn’t the only one applying pressure either. Rookie Jatavis Brown and Melvin Ingram each have 3 sacks each. The best part of this defense however, is the run defense giving up the fifth least amount of rushing yards per game. Both rookies Bosa and Brown have played great against the run along with defensive tackles Brandon Mebane and Corey Liuget.
The Falcons skill players clearly have the advantage here based off of nobody has been able to match up with them at all. No matter who you choose to cover or pay special attention to, someone else will have separation.
Final thoughts
The Falcons offense will have the advantage every week until proven to be stopped. The way the Chargers can slow down this Falcons offense is by bending but not breaking in the redzone, while also stopping the run and getting pressure on Matt Ryan.