The Chargers’ four interceptions made the difference in the win over the Falcons

ATLANTA – Tarheeb Still’s humble wave to the stunned crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium wasn’t just a farewell greeting to the home fans. It was the rookie cornerback who said hello.

The former fifth-round pick snagged two interceptions, including a pick he returned 61 yards for the game-winning touchdown, in the Chargers’ 17-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, and led a stuttering offense with a dominant defensive performance overcome.

While the Chargers (8-4) earned four interceptions off Atlanta quarterback Kirk Cousins, they failed to score an offensive touchdown for the second time this season, missing a fake punt attempt in the fourth quarter and trailing 187 Yards held second lowest total of the season.

None of these deficiencies could dim the big smile on Jim Harbaugh’s face after the game.

“It’s a beautiful thing,” said the coach. “We are experiencing complementary, victorious football.”

The Chargers struggled early, fumbling twice on offense in the first quarter and falling behind 7-0. Still woke up the team when he intercepted a pass thrown into triple coverage on the first play of the second quarter, which led to a field goal.

Chargers cornerback Tarheeb Still (29) celebrates his first of two interceptions against the Falcons.

(Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press)

With the Chargers trailing by a point on fourth-and-5 late in the third quarter, Still dove into the flat in front of a pass intended for receiver Darnell Mooney, ran untouched into the end zone and raised his left hand beforehand toward the crowd He turned to celebrate with his teammates, who greeted him with arms wide open and headbutts.

“You dream about making plays on this stage and at this level,” Still said. “I watch the boys do it and now it’s my turn, it just feels great.”

Still is the second Chargers rookie to record a multi-interception game and return one for a touchdown, joining John Hendy, who did so in 1985. The former Maryland Terrapin star faced a defensive touchdown, Quentin Johnston said. The receiver has been quietly watching Still since the offseason as he makes plays like this in practice.

Even in a tense game with just one possession in the fourth quarter, safety Derwin James Jr. caught the rookie smiling.

“He’s a baller,” said James, who grabbed the game-winning interception on the Falcons’ final drive. “That’s it.”

Harbaugh called general manager Joe Hortiz’s selection of Still with the 137th overall pick in April “a gift from the football gods.”

The first-year general manager’s roster moves paid off again on Sunday, as veteran safety Tony Jefferson was signed from the practice squad on Saturday and made eight tackles while stepping into the starting lineup in place of the injured Alohi Gilman.

Marcus Maye, claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins this week, snagged an interception in the end zone in the fourth quarter and helped erase a stunning fake punt that went awry from the Chargers’ 36-yard line.

Chargers safety Marcus Maye (24), signed this week, intercepts a pass thrown into the end zone by Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​(18).

(Mike Stewart/Associated Press)

Tight end Stone Smartt was stopped a foot short of a pass from punter JK Scott, giving the Falcons (6-6) prime field position by four points.

“The defense was unbelievable,” Harbaugh said. “I overcame a coaching decision that I would have liked to get back. I think we will be better with my coaching decisions. Our offense will be better and our defense played its best when it was needed most.”

Cameron Dicker led the Chargers to a 9-7 halftime lead. The kicker’s right leg remains the Chargers’ best red zone weapon, especially with the team rushing for just 56 yards and running back JK Dobbins (knee) serving on injured reserve.

Receiver Ladd McConkey starred in his homecoming to Georgia with 117 receiving yards, including 105 in the first half, a record for a Chargers rookie, but the former Georgia Bulldogs star left the game with a knee injury.

The Falcons had 10 sacks in the game, the fewest in the NFL, but dropped Herbert in the backfield five times. The quarterback threw for 147 yards and completed 16 of 23 passes. He quickly hugged his defensive teammates as he jogged onto the field to take a knee.

“I know this play may not be what (the offense) wanted,” said linebacker Daiyan Henley, who finished with 10 tackles, “but it’s what we needed.”

With the league’s best scoring defense, the Chargers bounced back after giving up 30 or more points in consecutive games. They hadn’t forced a takeaway for three weeks, a drought that was beginning to eat away at the players.

Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (3) smiles at the camera after his game-winning interception against the Falcons.

(Danny Karnik/Associated Press)

After the offense had a pivotal moment against the Cincinnati Bengals two weeks ago, James was desperate for the defense to have the same chance late in the game on Sunday.

After the game-winning interception, James made sure no one could forget the performance by unbuckling his helmet, leaning close to the cameras in the end zone and flashing a stunned smile.

“You win in December, November,” James said, “you’re remembered.”

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