FLOWERY BRANCH – The Falcons know they can’t just sit back in zone coverage and let Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert dissect them.
The pass defense, which includes the rush, will be on the hot seat when the Falcons (4-4) host the Chargers (3-4) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Getting pressure on Herbert will be an issue for the Falcons, who have 12 sacks, 23 quarterback knockdowns and four hurries, according to Pro Football Reference’s advanced defensive stats. The Falcons also have blitzed 55 times.
“He doesn’t get sacked very often,” Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees said. “He doesn’t take very many sacks.”
Herbert has been sacked 10 times over seven games.
The Falcons’ pass rush is led by defensive end Grady Jarrett, who has 4.5 sacks, and outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter, who has 2.5 sacks. The Falcons have five other players with a sack.
“You try every week, how you affect the quarterback, different obstacles, different schemes,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith said. “Justin gets the ball out really fast; he’s not taking a lot of sacks.”
The Chargers are a pass-heavy team, but will be without wide receivers Mike Williams and Keenan Allen.
“He’s a really good football player. They lead the league in pass attempts per game, so it’s probably going to be really obvious what their game plan is. Their playing to the strengths of their team, Herbert, (Austin) Ekeler, the passing game,” Smith said.
The Falcons will get back safety Jaylinn Hawkins, who was in the concussion protocol, but will play their second game without their top cornerback, A.J. Terrell.
“Every week there’s a different challenge, depending on who you are playing. Doesn’t mean they have to go out there and throw it 50 times,” Smith said. “We understand that’s a strength of theirs, obviously. They have a run game, and they have good players back there as well. Any way we can affect the quarterback, we’re always looking for that edge.”
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The Bow Tie Chronicles
Atlanta Falcons 2022 schedule
Sept. 11: Saints 27, Falcons 26
Sept. 18: Rams 31, Falcons 27
Sept. 25 Falcons 27, Seahawks 23
Oct. 2 Falcons 23, Browns 20
Oct. 9 Buccaneers 21, Falcons 15
Oct. 16 Falcons 28, 49ers 14
Oct. 23 Bengals 35, Falcons 17
Oct. 30 Falcons 37, Panthers 34 OT
Nov. 6 vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 1 p.m.
Nov. 10 at Carolina, 8:15 p.m.
Nov. 20 vs. Chicago, 1 p.m.
Nov. 27 at Washington, 1 p.m.
Dec. 4 vs. Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.
BYE WEEK
Dec. 18 at New Orleans, TBD
Dec. 24 at Baltimore, 1 p.m.
Jan. 1 vs. Arizona, 1 p.m.
Jan. 8 vs. Tampa Bay, TBD
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