Los Angeles Chargers NFL Week 13 Recap: Tarheeb Still and Defense Shine vs Atlanta Falcons

The Los Angeles Chargers' 17-13 Week 13 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday was a hard-fought battle with standout performances, costly mistakes, and moments of brilliance. Let’s break it down—the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The Good: A Strong Defensive Performance and Key Plays Against Kirk Cousins and Team

The Chargers' defense shined, particularly cornerback Tarheeb Still, who was pivotal in the game. Still recorded two interceptions, one of which he returned for a 61-yard touchdown in the third quarter. This pick six gave the Chargers their first significant lead and showcased the rookie's game-changing potential. His performance underscored why he’s been one of the standout defensive rookies this season​ and becoming the steal of the 2024 draft.

Justin Herbert, despite some struggles, did enough to maintain enough drives and get the team in a scoring position often, but due to team struggles, couldn't find the endzone. The Chargers' kicker, Cameron Dicker, was flawless, converting all three of his field goal attempts, including a crucial 51-yarder.  Dicker, who signed an extension earlier this year is the rock that this Chargers team often needs to lean into and Jim Harbaugh previously said that Dicker "epitomizes confidence", which we as fans have come to appreciate.

On the offensive side, Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey impressed with 117 receiving yards on nine receptions, continuing to show why he’s been a reliable target in the passing game. 

The Bad: Offensive Stagnation

While the Chargers came away with the win, their offense was inconsistent for much of the game. Herbert struggled against a stout Atlanta defense, finishing with modest passing numbers and failing to find the end zone through the air. The absence of running back J.K. Dobbins was felt, with a dismal 56 yards and a fumble in the game.

The offensive line struggled to protect Herbert, leading to five sacks. This pressure disrupted the rhythm of the passing game and forced the Chargers into several long-yardage situations.

The Ugly: Turnovers and Missed Opportunities

Both teams struggled with ball security, but the Chargers were fortunate to capitalize on Atlanta’s mistakes. Kirk Cousins, the Falcons' quarterback, had a forgettable performance, throwing four interceptions, including the game-defining pick-six by Still and a game-sealing interception by Derwin James late in the game. With four turnovers, the Chargers should have been able to runaway with this one, but could not sustain drives or capitalize on red-zone opportunities​.

On the Chargers' side, a first-quarter fumble by Hassan Haskins, recovered by Atlanta’s Clark Phillips, put the team in an early hole. Bijan Robinson had a touchdown on the ensuing drive that gave the Falcons a 7-0 lead. Such miscues against tougher opponents could prove disastrous down the stretch​.

Key Takeaways and What’s Next

This victory against the NFC South leader improved the Chargers to 8-4, moving them back to the top of the AFC Wild Card spot. However, with tough matchups ahead, including divisional games against the Kansas City Chiefs, consistency will be crucial. The final five games of the season will determine whether they can get a win in January or continue their pattern of mediocrity​.

In the postgame press conference, Herbert acknowledged the team’s resilience but emphasized the need for improvement, especially as they prepare for a critical stretch of the season. "We’re happy with the win, but there’s a lot to clean up," Herbert stated, summarizing the team’s outlook​.