Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Atlanta ranks just 26th in pass EPA/plays allowed this season, despite a solid secondary trio of cornerback AJ Terrell and safeties Jessie Bates and Justin Simmons. The Falcons have struggled to find a consistent presence opposite Terrell, as boundary corner Mike Hughes has allowed 26 tackles on just 37 targets this season. However, Hughes will miss Sunday's game due to a neck injury. Slot corner Dee Alford was even more vulnerable, allowing 45 receptions on 60 targets for 336 yards and three touchdowns, according to Pro Football Focus.
This benefits the Chargers as rookie Ladd McConkey was the team's best receiver and operated primarily out of the slot. Justin Herbert isn't the guy to shy away from testing Terrell, who has given up a lot of big plays this season, but picking the slot and Clark Phillips III, Hughes' replacement on Sunday, to score completions achieve might be the easiest way. Atlanta has allowed 71.6% of opponents' passes this season.
