West Atlanta News

As the Los Angeles Chargers face the absence of running back J.K. Dobbins due to a sprained MCL, the Atlanta Falcons are adjusting their defensive strategy for the upcoming Week 13 game. Dobbins sustained his injury during Monday's game against the Baltimore Ravens and is expected to miss Sunday's match in Atlanta.

With Dobbins out, attention turns to Gus Edwards, another key player in the Chargers' lineup. However, there is speculation about who else might step up in his absence. "There's always somebody that they elevate that you just don't know about," said Bates from the Falcons. "I'm sure that guy's just sitting there, waiting for his opportunity."

Rookie running back Kimani Vidal could be called upon to fill this role. A native of Marietta, Vidal was selected by the Chargers in the sixth round of this year's draft and has participated in four games so far. His contributions include 21 touches and 93 yards from scrimmage.

Despite Vidal's potential involvement, neither he nor Edwards matches Dobbins' output this season. Combined, Edwards and Vidal have amassed 301 yards compared to Dobbins' 900 yards from scrimmage.

Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett acknowledged Dobbins' impact: "I wouldn't say anything like (the injury) doesn't matter because it does," he stated. "He's a special player."

In their previous game against Baltimore, after Dobbins' exit before halftime, the Chargers ran for only seven yards on five carries in the second half as they shifted towards a passing strategy under head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris anticipates that despite recent struggles with their run game, the Chargers will persist with their rushing attempts: "They haven't been probably as effective as they want to be in their run game, but that's not going to persuade them or stop them from trying."

Currently ranked No. 13 in rushing offense with an average of 118.1 yards per game, the Chargers will challenge a Falcons defense allowing an average of 127.2 rushing yards per game this season.

Bates emphasized Atlanta's focus on improving its run defense: "Any week, it's about stopping the run," he noted. "I feel like we've gotten better at that."