LA Chargers: The great, good and ugly vs. Atlanta Falcons
By Jason Reed
LA Chargers vs. Atlanta Falcons, the good:
Improved special teams
This is just one game so we want to be cautious in getting too optimistic about the LA Chargers flipping the script on the special teams unit. However, this was the first week that Anthony Lynn took over special teams coordinating duties and it was the best special teams week in some time.
Michael Badgley nailed all four of his kicks, albeit none were all that difficult. Nasir Adderley ripped off a long kickoff return that led to a field goal and there were no big mistakes in punting or kicking off the ball.
The Chargers have a lot of work to do before we can be comfortable with the special teams unit but hopefully, this can provide some momentum to flip the script in 2021.
Keenan Allen
Keenan Allen was sore at the end of this game so he did not get any receptions on those last two drives that would have padded his numbers but he was fantastic in this game. He led the team in receptions with nine for 52 yards and a touchdown.
We all know that Allen is one of the most underrated receivers in the league and he continues a solid season.
Good ol’ Austin Ekeler
Austin Ekeler had a vintage Austin Ekeler game in this one, contributing in both the passing and running game. Ekeler tied Allen for the team-lead in receptions with nine, leading the team outright in receiving yards with 67.
Ekeler also carried the ball 15 times for 79 yards. He opens up so many things for this offense and while we are all frustrated with how much this team runs the ball at times, they are much better running the ball with Ekeler in action.