FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- In years past, the success of the San Diego Chargers' offense has been predicated on rushing yards. More specifically, how much is All-Pro running back LaDainian Tomlinson taking over the game.
Though the offense was balanced, Tomlinson's ability with the football made for highlights and victories. This season the Chargers have looked to quarterback Philip Rivers, who has more than 2,800 passing yards and a 103.3 quarterback rating.
San Diego is 4-7 on the year with four losses coming in the final half minute of the game. Despite the record, the Falcons know their Week 13 opponent has the weapons to be a dangerous team.
Tomlinson has 770 rushing yards. Tight end Antonio Gates leads the team with 43 catches for 507 yards and five scores. Vincent Jackson has emerged as a deep threat at wide receiver.
"I think without a doubt they're the best 4-7 team in the league," Head Coach Mike Smith said Wednesday afternoon.
San Diego ranks seventh in the NFL in points per game (24.9) and seventh in passing yards. The responsibility of slowing the Bolts falls on the Falcons defense, which held the Panthers to zero yards in the first quarter last week and ranks in the top 10 in scoring defense.
On defense the Chargers are without pass-rush specialists Shawne Merriman and top cornerback Antonio Cromartie (hip) has fought injuries. San Diego ranks last in the NFL in pass defense and gives up more than 100 yards a game on the ground.
Former Charger Michael Turner, who makes his first trip to San Diego since signing a free agent deal with with Atlanta in the off-season, and the Falcons offense are preparing to continue starting fast (a quick, 17-0 lead evolved into a 45-28 victory last week).
"You look at a team like that and they're going to play hard and we know that," wide receiver Roddy White said. "We have to go out there and score points early and kind of break their confidence early in the game."
San Diego runs a base 3-4 defense (three lineman and four linebackers) but will show variations to confuse opposing offenses. The Falcons haven't faced a 3-4 defense this season and spent the week preparing in the film room. Large defensive lineman pose a test for the Falcons offensive line, which leads the way for the league's No. 2 running game.
"They have some really strong guys up front and a group of linebackers that can rush off the edge also so it's definitely going to be a challenge for us," center Todd McClure said.
SHUFFLING THE CARDS: Placing Ben Hartsock on injured reserve punctuated otherwise positive injury news from the week.
Defensive end John Abraham returned to practice after leaving last week's game with a neck injury. White, who missed time last week with a bruised back, fully participated in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Defensive tackle Kindal Moorehead (foot) also practiced for the first time in more than two weeks.
Replacing Hartsock may be the key area addressed in this week's game.
“It’s going to be tough to replace Ben," Smith said. "He’s done a very nice job in blocking and he’s an integral part of our running game. We’re very fortunate to be able to add Jason Rader back to the team. He is very familiar with our system and he was with us through training camp and different parts of the season. It’s a difficult loss, but we were able to add Jason so that’s a positive as well.”
Visit the Saint Joseph's Injury Report for more Falcons and Chargers injury news.
THE SKINNY: The Falcons moved to within one game of the NFC South lead with a Week 12 win over Carolina.
It was an emotional Sunday, complete with Turner tying the team's single-game record for rushing touchdowns and rookie Harry Douglas emerging as a key offensive and special teams weapon in front of his hometown fans.
But the Falcons remembered during the week that they must keep getting big wins to stay in the playoff race.
A trip to the West Coast isn't easy and playing a team that's lost so many close games presents several unknowns.
"It's one of those games you have to prepare for well," Abraham said. "They still have a good running back and a good offense. We have to be smart knowing we had a great win last week but we have to continue to fight."
NUMBERS, NOTES AND COLORS: Some digits, info and hues to get you ready for Sunday's game against the Chargers...
- The Falcons will wear white jerseys Sunday against the Chargers.
- Atlanta has lost only once to the Chargers (10-7 in 1988).
- The Falcons are undefeated in San Diego.
- Turner and Tomlinson have the same amount of yards from scrimmage this season (1,099).
- Chargers running backs coach Ollie Wilson coached for the Falcons from 2002 to 2007.
- San Diego is tied for 25th in the league in turnover differential (minus-5).
- The Falcons are undefeated this season when Turner rushes for 50 or more yards in the first half.
- Three Falcons defenders have 80 or more tackles this season (Erik Coleman, Keith Brooking and Lawyer Milloy).
- If Tomlinson's 3.8-yard per carry average holds up through the season it would be the second-lowest of his career.
- The Falcons 41-0 win over San Diego in 1973 represented the second-largest margin of victory in team history.
MORE FALCONS-CHARGERS COVERAGE:
- SCOUTING REPORT: Athletic offense awaits Falcons defense in San Diego
- ASK THE COACH: Ray "Sugar Bear" Hamilton talks about the keys to the game
- NOTEBOOK: Defense prepares for Tomlinson, Turner returns to roots
- PREVIEW PACK: More on the Falcons and Chargers game
- INJURY REPORT: More on team injuries from Saint Joseph's Hospital
- TRANSCRIPT: Head Coach Mike Smith
- FROM THE LOCKER ROOM: Ryan | McClure | Abraham | White
- FOE AUDIO: LaDainian Tomlinson | Norv Turner
- NEWS: Douglas earns NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors
- NEWS: Falcons place Hartsock on injured reserve
- RELEASE: Babineaux, Jenkins get contracts extended
- AWARDS: Pair of Falcons up for weekly awards on NFL.com
- J. MIKE'S MISSIVES: Jenkins, Babineaux Key Parts to Future | Birdseed
- FALCON AL: Cheerleader of the Game | Fan of the Game
