After two subpar performances in the past couple weeks, Jesse Minter’s defense is back and put together its best performance of the season this past weekend.
Trailing 10-9 in the second quarter with the offense struggling, it was evident that LA’s defense had to make a play for the Chargers to stay in the game.
The Falcons lined up to go for it on fourth-and-five from the Chargers’ 40-yard-line, looking to extend their one point lead.
Stepping up when the team needed it most, rookie cornerback Tarheeb Still intercepted Cousins and returned the ball 61-yards the other way for a touchdown, giving LA its first lead of the day. This marked Still’s second interception of the game, as he played his flat assignment perfectly, keeping his eyes on Cousins and jumping in front of a slow developing out route.
TO THE 🏡
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 1, 2024
📺 | @nfloncbs pic.twitter.com/9EjMGmntzr
LA’s defense was nothing short of dominant on Sunday, intercepting Cousins a total of four times and holding Atlanta to just 5-18 in converting on third and fourth downs combined, all while the Chargers offense was outpossed by over 10 minutes.
Still’s two interceptions led the way, but the Mayland product was not the only newcomer who got in on the action.
Newly signed safety Marcus Maye, who was claimed by LA just four days after Miami waived him, intercepted Cousins in the end zone on third-and-goal. Cousin threw a lollipop into a sea of bodies and Maye found the ball right in his hands.
On Atlanta’s ensuing drive, down 17-13, Cousins had a chance at redemption with 6:05 left in the fourth quarter. He led the offense, who started from its own three-yard-line, down to the Chargers’ 35.
In what was a fitting ending, safety Derwin James intercepted Cousins on fourth down to seal the deal for Los Angeles.
Cousins, who started the year looking sharp, has spiraled during Atlanta’s three-game losing streak. The veteran quarterback has not thrown a touchdown pass in three weeks and has six interceptions in that span.
Despite the defense’s dominant performance, Chargers fans shouldn’t look past a horrific performance from the offense. While it did a better job protecting the ball, LA’s offense was arguably worse than Atlanta’s.
Los Angeles totaled a season-low 187 yards of offense, mustering just 10 first downs and turning the ball over twice.
Justin Herbert completed 16 of his 23 passes for 147 yards and no touchdowns. Nine of those receptions came from receiver Ladd McConkey, who totaled 117 yards. To make matters worse for LA, McConkey exited the game late with a knee injury. According to NFL Insider Ian Rappaport, McConkey’s status is in doubt for next week.
The Chargers also felt the absence of J.K. Dobbins, who was placed on injury reserve after suffering a knee injury in last week’s loss to Baltimore. Gus Edwards led the team with just 32 yards on six rushes, and LA’s 56 total rushing yards marked a season low.
With Atlanta’s talent in the secondary and head coach Raheem Morris’ background as a defensive coordinator, perhaps the Chargers’ offensive struggles were to be expected.
However, the stat that will surely bother Harbaugh and Minter most was Atlanta’s ability to record a season-high five sacks. The Falcons came into Sunday’s game dead last in the category, totaling just 10 on the season. Three of these sacks occurred in plus territory or on third down and forced LA to settle for field goals.
While the Chargers got back into the win column, it is hard to imagine another offensive performance like Sunday’s can produce winning football.
It is especially important for LA’s offense to get back on track this week, as the Chargers will need to keep up with Patrick Mahomes and the 11-1 Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead.
Kansas City has found themselves in multiple close games this year, as nine of their 11 wins have come within one possession, including a week four victory against LA.
It will be key for Los Angeles to force turnovers and protect the ball themselves, as Mahomes has been susceptible to interceptions this season with 11. Edwards’ number may be called early and often in an attempt to silence the fans at Arrowhead, but Kansas City’s third-ranked rushing defense will make that a tall order.
Kansas City ranks in the bottom half of the league in pass defense, so it may be up to Herbert’s arm to keep up with Mahomes and company. However, if McConkey is unable to play, LA could be in trouble.