The upcoming game between the Atlanta Falcons and the San Diego Chargers is a huge one for both teams. For the Falcons, they are playing in an extremely tough NFC south division, and need every win they can get. For the Chargers, a loss could mean the end of a playoff run, as they would fall to 4-8.
2004,Last meeting: Atlanta:21 San Diego:20
Let's start with the field. The Chargers have three of their four wins at home, while 3 of the Falcons' 4 losses have come on the road. The Falcons had no trouble on their last trip out west, shuting out a terrible Oakland team. The last time an NFC south team traveled to So-Cal, Carolina defeated the Chargers 26-24. However, those are two very different scenarios for both teams, and let's remember, San Diego lost that one in the final second. Advantage: Chargers
Offensively for the Falcons, Michael Turner will no doubt want to put up big numbers against his former team. But Matt Ryan should have a huge day against the worst pass defense in the NFL. Advantage: Falcons
Offensively for the Chargers, Ladainian Tomlinson has not been himself this year. And though the Falcon front four had trouble containing Deangelo Williams last week, they should be able to clamp down against an LT that hasn't been able to get things going against weak run defenses such as Kansas City and Indianapolis. If the run game can't get going, it will be up to Phillip Rivers to get things going in the passing game. The Falcons will be fine, so long as Rivers doesn't throw it Chris Houston's way. Remember, Houston was responsible for Steve Smith last week, and he wound up with well over 100 yards receiving. Advantage: Depends on who Rivers throws to
Special Teams: Before last week, I would have said San Diego. But after Harry Douglas's performance last week, I'd say this Falcons special teams has figured something out. In a close game, that could be the difference. Advantage: Atlanta, assuming we don't have a repeat of the Philly game.
Coaching: Mike Smith has made a 7-4 team out of what some experts(Sporting News) thought would be a 1-15 team. Norv Turner(no relation to Michael, at least we hope not) has made a 4-7 team out of what most people thought would be a 14-2 team. 'Nuff said. Advantage: Atlanta, assuming we don't have a repeat of the Denver game.
Overall advantage: Atlanta, but not by much.
Keywords: Atlanta Falcons, NFL Football, San Diego Chargers
