After going 4-16 in one-score games over the last two seasons, the Los Angeles Chargers finally won one. Believe it. Michael Badgley, who has missed seven field goals this season, kicked a 43-yarder as time expired to beat the Atlanta Falcons, 20-17.
It almost didn't happen, as a series of interceptions by both teams in the waning minutes left things in doubt. But in the end, it was Chargers cornerback Michael Davis who picked off a Matt Ryan pass intended for Calvin Ridley at the Chargers' 33 with 36 seconds left. Shortly after, Tyron Johnson caught a key 25-yard pass from rookie quarterback Justin Herbert at the Atlanta 26 to set up the game-winning kick.
Herbert was aided all game by the play of running back Austin Ekeler, who put the team on his back and ran 15 carries for 79 yards and caught nine passes for 67 yards. But it was Herbert who shined the most, completing 36 of 44 passes for 243 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. For as bad as he was last week in the 45-0 loss to the New England Patriots, he was better than good this week.
Troubling trend: An embarrassing Chargers gaffe at the end of the first half nearly wiped out a spectacular bounce-back performance by Herbert and could have sent the Chargers to another frustrating defeat. With 20 seconds left in the second quarter and with no timeouts, Herbert had driven his team to the Falcons 8-yard-line. But they curiously ran the ball on third-and-1, where they were stopped short.
Some of the offense stayed on the field as the field-goal unit ran onto the field, creating mass chaos and allowing the clock to run out the clock before they could get into kick formation. Coach Anthony Lynn announced earlier this week he would be taking over all special teams duties after a dismal performance a week ago against New England, but this was yet another error.
Injury issues: WR Keenan Allen was not on the final drive, believed to have suffered a hamstring injury. He ended up catching nine passes for 52 yards. Offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga and guard Trai Turner both were on the sidelines being observed for concussions, which put a strain on the right side of the offensive line.
Bosa update: Defensive end Joey Bosa had a solid game except for a penalty in the last few minutes, which could have changed everything.