Atlanta Falcons (6-6) – Los Angeles Chargers (8-4): 13-17
Last drive of the match, the Chargers lead 17-13, rather against the run of play. And it is Kirk Cousins (24/39, 245 yards, 4 int) who has the ball in his hands. The drive is laborious but survives. A 4e missed saved by a defensive error, a fumble that the Falcons recover, then?.. A 4e interception for Kirk Cousins. Derwin James catches the ball and Los Angeles just has to put their knees on the ground. Complicated victory but victory nonetheless.
Nobody wanted to win this match. Especially not Kirk Cousins who threw 4 interceptions into the hands of Chargers receivers. But on the Los Angeles side, Justin Herbert (16/23, 147 yards) suffered the enormous awakening of the Atlanta defense. All the more complicated with the absence of JK Dobbins. The Chargers only gained 187 yards of offense. It was once again LA's defense that set the tone for this meeting.
It was difficult to recognize the Chargers' attack in the 1e period: 2 fumbles including one lost, balls returned almost immediately, no touchdown. Across the way, big news too: we saw some pass-rush! 2 sacks on Justin Herbert, 5 in all in the game, that's something new for the worst defense in the league in this little game. The Falcons largely used Bijan Robinson (26 races, 102 yards, 1 TD), the runner scoring the only touchdown of the first 30 minutes in the process.
However, it is the Chargers who lead at the break, 9 to 7. Thanks to Ladd McConkey (9 rec, 117 yards) in particular, who gained momentum during the first two quarters with more than 100 yards. But also thanks to Atlanta kicker Younghoe Koo (former Chargers!) who missed a field goal at the start of the match. Last little black spot on the board for the Falcons: Kirk Cousins who is intercepted by Tarheeb Still. Which also explains the close score despite clear possession in favor of the locals.
The 4e costly attempts
Kirk Cousins is not having a great night. He was even intercepted a second time by Tarheeb Still on a 4e rushed attempt, converted into a touchdown this time and transformed to 2 points with a nice reception from Joshua Palmer. The Chargers lead 17-10 while Atlanta has almost 100 more yards gained.
TARHEEB STILL @CHARGERS PICK-6.
📺: #LACvsATL on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/T3CodECkpD— NFL (@NFL) December 1, 2024
Los Angeles is doing well but perhaps trying its luck a little too much by faking a punt on a 4e attempt in their half! Of no consequence since Kirk Cousins will make an interception AGAIN, in the end zone on the next possession, this time by Marcus Maye.
Finally, the match will slowly slide towards its end, Kirk Cousins not being able to find his receivers, Justin Herbert not being able to keep the ball. Like a symbol, it's on a new 4e attempt that Kirk Cousins will be intercepted in the last minute. The Chargers will head towards the playoffs, Atlanta is much worse and will have to face the terrible defense of the Vikings next week.
