Falcons Return East With Big Win

Sunday's game against the San Diego Chargers was a must-win for the Falcons. Of course, every game is a must-win if you're in the NFC south. The Falcons didn't disappoint as they defeated San Diego 22-16. However, the score was not indicative of the game.

The Chargers received the ball to start the game, but their drive stalled around midfield, and they turned it over on downs. The Falcons capitalized with a Jason Elam field-goal, and the away team led 3-0. Later in the first quarter, San Diego punted the ball to rookie return man Harry Douglas, who muffed the punt. San Diego capitalized as Ladanian Tomlinson punched it in. The Chargers led 7-3. On Atlanta's next possession, Elam would once again kick a field goal. This was the final play of the first quarter, as San Diego led 7-6. Coming into the game, the Falcons had never won while trailing after a quarter of play all season.

In the second quarter, Matt Ryan would connect on a pass to Justin Peelle for a touchdown. Advantage Falcons 13-7. Later in the quarter, Falcons' punter Michael Koenan pinned the Chargers' offense inside their own 5 yard-line. When Chargers' quarterback Phillip Rivers was called for intentional grounding inside the Chargers' end-zone, it was ruled a safety, giving the Falcons 2 points. On their ensuing possession, Atlanta drove all the way down to the Chargers' one yard-line. On fourth down, Matt Ryan handed off to former Charger Michael Turner, who appeared to be across the goal-line. However, he was ruled short, and it was San Diego's ball. The Chargers ran the clock down, and the halftime score was 15-7 Falcons.

On their first possession of the half, the Falcons were once again driving into field-goal range. On third down, Ryan threw a pass to Brian Finneran, who never appeared to have possession of the football prior to it hitting the ground. One of San Diego's defenders scooped up the ball and ran it the length of the field. It was ruled a fumble, and a touchdown for the Chargers. Falcons' coach Mike Smith challenged the call, and looking at the replay, it seemed clear that he never had possession of the ball. However, the play stood as called on the field, touchdown San Diego. They missed the 2-point conversion, making the score 15-13 Atlanta.

In the fourth quarter, Matt Ryan would connect on another touchdown pass, this one to Harry Douglas. Yes, that Harry Douglas. He got his redemption from the muffed punt, and the Falcons now had a two possession lead 22-13. On San Diego's ensuing possession, Nate Kaeding would have his field-goal try blocked by Michael Boley. On Atlanta's ensuing possession, Michael Turner would fumble the football away. This was also challenged by the Falcons, and upon further review, it appeared as if Turner was down by contact. However, the officials saw no indisputable evidence that Turner was down, giving the ball back to San Diego. They were able to capitalize on the fumble with a Kaeding field-goal, making the score 22-16 with a little over two minutes remaining in the game. But the Chargers wouldn't see the ball again, and the Falcons put the game away, even despite some missed opportunities(and San Diego's "twelfth man").

It was a satisfactory win, especially since Tampa Bay and Carolina won their early games. Next up on the slate: two big divisional games at New Orleans(6-6) and at home against Tampa Bay(9-3). A couple of games that are crucial for a young, improving team with playoff aspirations.