Driving was close to five minutes on Sunday, and the Atlanta offense moved from the 32-yard line into the Chargers’ 10.
The Hawks had defeated nine plays, one of which–a 38-yard distance–was eliminated by a penalty.
The Charger needed a break, both literally and figuratively.
So Khalil Mack took matters into his own hands – and football – in his own hands.
“I saw that a long car ride by them turn into something that was. amazing,Defensive lineman Christian Covington said. “We were all tired of the dogs in that play. Just seeing Khalil Mac do what Khalil Mac does, we all feel so rejuvenated.”
After undoing pass coverage, one of the best NFL runners of his era closed in on the future of the Atlanta Drake London and took the ball off the rookie.
Mac turned around and headed in the opposite direction, teasing teammate Sebastian Joseph Day on Wednesday that Mac was so exhausted that he looked like a Madden NFL video game player was running out of gas.
“Maybe Khalil got tired of that,” Joseph Day said. “Man, I have to end this somehow.” It was a nightmare there. He took it in his hands. Love her. That’s why he’s an elite.”
Joseph Day was shoving Falcons midfielder Marcus Mariota in the play and said he didn’t realize what Mack had done until he saw a replay on the overhead video board at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“I just heard people screaming,” Joseph Day said. I didn’t know what happened. I looked and was being on the sidelines. It was just, “Thank you.” Those things were painful. We were grinding there.”
Defensive Chargers tackle Sebastian Joseph Day, right, pursuing the hawks darting backwards Cordaryl Patterson (84).
(John Bazmemore/The Associated Press)
Mack hit London right after the hijacker before taking a step toward the middle of the field. After receiving the pass in the left flat, London flipped forward and faced the corner back Michael Davis.
As London and Davis were battling close to the Chargers’ five-yard line, Mack pounced for a fast pass.
Covington said he only saw such cold-blooded takeaways in the NFL in the highlights. Linebacker Drue Tranquill suggested after the match that it had been a long time since he witnessed something like that.
“I think the last time I saw someone strip the ball on the open court and go the other way was probably a little league,” he said with a smile. “This guy is weird. Just an incredible play by him.”
For a defense trying to emphasize turnarounds, Mac’s play came at the perfect time and place, Atlanta on the brink of scoring what could have been a touchdown forward early in the second half.
The moment was also another milestone for Mack, who was the Chargers’ second-best overall defender in eight games, according to Pro Football Focus.
He leads the team with 23 presses and six sacks and has the only defense recovery.
Coming from a season in which he missed 10 games with a foot injury, Mack played the fifth most shots among the Chargers’ defenders.
When asked his opinion of Mac, who is in his first season with the Chargers, Covington said, “Brother comes as advertised.”
The Chargers Acquire Mac in Commerce With Chicago in March, the deal is the first step in rebuilding his defense for head coach Brandon Staley. Although the unit as a whole has malfunctioned at times, the Mac has remained solid.
Entering this season, he’s been facing questions about what he left off at age 31 and approaching his ninth season in the NFL.
“In this league, as you get older, people are going to say you slow down,” Joseph Day said. “But the greats are great, you know. No offense, but I think sometimes people get bored and look for things to say. This guy has a lot.”
etc.
- Correct handling was Trey Pipkins III among chargers who did not train Wednesday as he continues to deal with a left knee injury that worsened against Atlanta. Staley said Pepkins and Edge striker Chris Rumpe II (knee) will likely each be a “game-time decision” on Sunday night in San Francisco.
- Chargers will be without a wide receiver Mike Williams (Ankle) This weekend, fellow recipient Kenan Allen (hamstring) He’s also not expected to play.
- Staley said the chargers are planning to get Cameron Decker Kick against the 49ers with Dustin Hopkins (hamstring) staying out.
- And according to the Chargers’ injury report, defensive lineman Jerry Tillery did not train Wednesday due to a personal matter.
- Charger signed defensive line Breden Fioko to their active list and put Austin Johnson (knee) on the injured reserve list. Johnson will sit out the rest of the season.