From Worst to First, Falcons Find Themselves on Top of the

NFC South Heading into Week 9 Against the Chargers

Victor Bui | November 8, 2022

Heading into the 2022 NFL regular season, the

Atlanta Falcons were ranked as one of the worst

team. However, after nine weeks, they find

themselves in a crucial matchup against the Las

Angeles Chargers. The Falcons beat the Carolina

Panthers a week ago, claiming first place in the

NFC South. With a win against the Chargers at

home, they can further their lead in their division.

On Sunday, November 6, fans gathered around the

Mercedes-Benz Stadium ready for kickoff. Fans

tailgated outside the stadium before the game

started.

“This is my first time at a football game since covid-19,” Keith said. “I ride or die with the

Falcons, but we’ve been [expletive] the past few years.” Keith continued to say that he hasn’t

been into football as much since the Falcons has not been good. “We finally have something

going, so it’s a little more exciting,” Keith added.

The game kicked off at 1 p.m. On their first drive, the Falcons marched down the field, scoring

the game’s first touchdown. The stadium roared. Fans got out of their seats and celebrated with

the team.
“Lets [expletive] go,” one fan screamed. “That’s how you do it,” another fan yelled.

The Falcons defense stopped the Chargers on their first drive. This forced the Chargers to punt

the ball. On the Falcons’ second drive, they kicked a field goal for three points.

The Chargers were able to get the ball back twice before the half expired. They scored two

touchdowns, exiting the half at 14-10 over the Falcons. The fans started to feel anxious as their

team is down at the half.

One fan yelled, “Call the right plays Arthur Smith!” “Our defense can’t stop nobody. They just

letting em run all over us,” another said with frustration.

Second half began with the Chargers on offense. They came up empty, giving the ball back to

the Falcons. After both teams turned the ball over, the Falcons scored a touchdown. Down 14-17,

the Chargers were able to tie the game with a field goal.

With five minutes left, the Falcons have the ball at their 25-yard line. Marcus Mariota takes a

shot down field to a wide-open Kyle Pitts. Fans around the stadium stood up getting ready to

celebrate a touchdown. The ball flew over Kyle Pitts head and smacked the turf. What would’ve

been a go-ahead touchdown, that would have put the Falcons up by seven points, turned into

nothing.

“We want Ridder,” fans chanted around the stadium.

The Chargers got the ball back with less than three minutes left to play. They marched down the

field with ease. With 40 seconds left, the Chargers fumbled the ball, which was recovered by the

Falcons. The fans got up from their seats and cheered. That moment was short lived as the

Falcons fumbled away the ball, giving it back to the Chargers. With three seconds left, the
Chargers kicked the game winning field goal. Silence echoed through the stadium as fans started

to leave.