3 massively positive takeaways for Chargers fans after Week 9 win

3. The stars on defense showed up when they needed to

There were not a lot of positives on the defensive side of the ball in this game despite the team only allowing 17 points. Atlanta did whatever it wanted on the ground as the Falcons had 201 rushing yards and averaged 5.7 yards per carry.

The Falcons also could have easily scored more points. Younghoe Koo missed a field goal that left three points on the board while Marcus Mariota overthrew an open Kyle Pitts/Drake London multiple times in the game.

Two things kept the Falcons at 17 points in this game. First was the fact that Mariota was under center and he is not the most dynamic quarterback that will beat you on third and longs. Second, the Chargers' star players on defense showed up when it mattered most.

Khalil Mack had the best defensive play of the game when he ripped the football out of London's hands. This kept three points off the board, and quite frankly, probably saved the Chargers' defense from allowing a touchdown.

There were also two timely sacks by Drue Tranquill and Derwin James in the second quarter that helped the Bolts swing the game in their favor with a momentous quarter. Tranquill may have gotten rnu over later in the game, but these two sacks on third down were crucial in the grand scheme.

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Los Angeles still has some defensive issues that need to be buttoned up. There is no way around that. However, it is nice knowing that the star players continue to rise to the occasion when they need to.