Chargers at Falcons Recap, Highlights, Final Score, More

The San Diego Chargers came back from 17 points down to force overtime and then best the now reeling Atlanta Falcons

The San Diego Chargers and Melvin Gordon came out of the gate hot at the Georgia Dome in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons. They got on the board first and looked to keep rolling. However, Matt Ryan and the home team had other plans. For the most part, the rest of the first half was all Falcons. They built a 27-10 lead before another short Gordon touchdown run pulled them within 10 points going into halftime.

However, Mike McCoy must’ve delivered one hell of a halftime speech because a different team came out in the second half.

Rookie Joey Bosa and the San Diego defense were monsters in the second half. Whether it was getting after Ryan, containing Julio Jones (as much as one can), or stuffing Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, they were stalwarts. Moreover, Philip Rivers got into a groove with Tyrell Williams and Melvin Gordon, torching the Falcons defense that seemingly wore down more with each snap.

Gordon scored his third touchdown of the game, this one a receiving score, with 5:59 remaining to make the score 30-27 in favor of Atlanta. After a big stop, the Chargers drove down and were able to set up a big Josh Lambo field goal with 18 seconds left. However, they almost suffered another heartbreaking loss as Matt Bryant had a chance at a 58-yarder. Unfortunately for the home crowd, it clanked off the crossbar to send the game in overtime.

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Atlanta elected to receive in overtime, but faced a difficult decision early in the drive. Not yet having crossed midfield, they were in a fourth-and-short situation. Rather than punting it away and trusting the defense, though, Dan Quinn elected to go for it. Bosa and the defense came up big again and stuffed the run. With great field position, they were able to run a few plays before setting up Lambo for the game-winning field goal.

Three Stars

Melvin Gordon, Chargers – The second-year back didn’t have a great day running the ball, but found the end zone three times. He finished with 22 carries for 68 yards and two scores along with six catches for 53 yards and another touchdown

Joey Bosa, Chargers – Rookie defensive end Joey Bosa is as good as advertised He picked up sacks No. 3 and 4 on the season on Sunday along with five tackles, two tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits.

Julio Jones, Falcons – Shocking, I know; but Julio Jones is a monster still. He hauled in nine catches for 174 yards on the day.

Highlights

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/790315035566280704

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/790335213385555968

Next Week

The Chargers will be in the division next week as they go on the road to face the Denver Broncos. Meanwhile, the Falcons will look to recover as they welcome another team needing a win to Atlanta in the Green Bay Packers.