A game between the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers was never going to be normal. After all, these are two teams with a well-documented history of messing up late-game situations. But we really did not give the Falcons enough credit: Just when you think they’ve already done everything possible to lose, they manage to find new ways.
That couldn’t have been more clear on Sunday.
With the score tied and the Chargers driving into the red zone, Austin Ekeler fumbled around the 20-yard line, and the ball was picked up by Falcons lineman Ta’Quon Graham. Just when you thought that these Falcons could be different — a team that could steal a win with a clutch play — Graham reminded everyone that he plays for the Falcons.
WHAT just happened in Atlanta?!
📺: #LACvsATL on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/6cnVqEemUW pic.twitter.com/9xeLvxRyYe— NFL (@NFL) November 6, 2022
During the fumble return, Graham simply dropped the ball. Nobody touched him. He just dropped the ball. And the Chargers jumped right back on it to secure a first down with the change of possession.
You have got to be kidding me. The Falcons find the most creative ways to lose games. This is their most embarrassing defeat of the season. Ta’Quon Graham should feel sick to his stomach. pic.twitter.com/fp3Bivy3t4
— calder pinto (@Callin_Sextin) November 6, 2022
While the fumble return did take the Chargers out of field goal range, they needed just a couple plays to get in position to set up Cameron Dicker for a game-winning field goal.
Cameron Dicker for the @Chargers win! #LACvsATL pic.twitter.com/LIzxf0B5Mq
— NFL (@NFL) November 6, 2022
Again, no team can lose quite like the Falcons can, and NFL fans were not kind to Atlanta after this latest embarrassing loss.
This was how Twitter reacted
The Chargers just Chargered there and the Falcons responded by Falconing
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) November 6, 2022
That settles it, not that there was ever any doubt. The only Chargers more Chargers than the Chargers are the Falcons
— Jason Kirk 🌕 (@thejasonkirk) November 6, 2022
That Falcons D lineman pic.twitter.com/pOIy22DEkx
— abdi (@a1bdii) November 6, 2022
Falcons 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/hZXlyt59f7
— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) November 6, 2022
Ta’Quon Graham with one of the most blooper reel plays I’ve seen in a long time. Might have just cost the falcons the win
— Adnan Ikic (@SayWhichWay) November 6, 2022
the NFL should not have allowed the Chargers to play the Falcons. when the possibility for it comes up on the schedule they should put a big X over it. You can't cross the chaos streams https://t.co/dwjBlMboE7
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) November 6, 2022
Ta'Quon Graham. Are you serious bro? A game winning fumble return and you just let the ball go. Cmon bruh.
— The Hood Therapist (@OhhMar24) November 6, 2022
Ta’Quon Graham getting to the facility tomorrow… pic.twitter.com/9QR4FCW6CB
— Biggies long lost son 🎱 (@SenseiLeTy) November 6, 2022
That Ta'Quon Graham play sums up life as a Falcons fan. Have no issue losing games but the way we find ridiculous ways to lose year after year…..
— Falcons Corner (@Falcons_Corner) November 6, 2022
It never gets easy for Atlanta.