As bad as the Falcons offense played against the Los Angeles Chargers, Blidi Wreh-Wilson gifted his teammates with the perfect "Get Out of Jail Free" card on Sunday.
Wreh-Wilson picked off a Justin Herbert pass with 53 seconds left in the game. Tied at 17-all, all the Falcons had to do was get in field goal range for their sharp-shooting kicker Younghoe Koo and escape from L.A. with a win.
These are the moments – with the game on the line, 25 yards from a game-winning field goal – that not only define players, but teams and coaches. With Matt Ryan, Todd Gurley, Calvin Ridley and Hayden Hurst on the field in crunch time, the Falcons expect to get those yards.
The 26-year-old Koo has been automatic from beyond 50 yards this season (8-for-8), and to match his career-best from 54 yards out, Atlanta needed to at least reach the Chargers 37.
And yet, the Falcons offense couldn't seal the deal.
Three plays later, Ryan tried to hit Ridley on an out route and Chargers cornerback Michael Davis stepped in front of the pass. The pick was Ryan's third of the game.
Chargers kicker Michael Badgley booted a 43-yarder as time expired to win it for Los Angeles, 20-17.
It was a forgettable performance for Ryan, who finished the game completing 21 of 32 passes for 224 yards, one touchdown and the three interceptions. He was also sacked twice.
The last time Ryan tossed three in a game was against the Eagles back on Sept. 15, 2019. But he also threw three touchdown passes that night as the Falcons edged Philly, 24-20, in a thriller.
The loss to the 4-9 Chargers not only eliminated the Falcons from postseason contention, which felt like a formality at this point, it also shined a light on how much the once-formidable Falcons offense has slipped.
For the third straight season, the Falcons are struggling to consistently run the ball efficiently. Falcons runners combined to rush for 70 yards against the Chargers. Atlanta is now 0-6 this season when they don't rush for at least 90 yards.
They're not finishing drives. When you have players likes Julio Jones, Ridley, Gurley, Gage, and Hurst, you're supposed to be able to score touchdowns, especially in the red zone. On Sunday, the Falcons were 1-of-3 in the red zone but entered the weekend 29th in the league in scoring touchdowns in the red zone.
As good as Koo has kicked this season, the Falcons would prefer to see less of him. As interim head coach Raheem Morris put it, "Koo has been money, but I'd like to see less of him. We'd like to score touchdowns."
After the game, Ryan said, "today wasn't good enough on my part."
Forget good enough, the Falcons offense used to scare opponents week in and week out. On Sunday it was scary again, but for all the wrong reasons.
Get an inside look at the matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers with top photos from Week 14.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 celebrates after makes an interception during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 sacks Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert #10 during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 receives a 39-yard touchdown pass from wide receiver Russell Gage #83 during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 prepares to throw a touchdown pass in the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Laquon Treadwell #80 scores a touchdown during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 in action during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 celebrates making an interception during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 in action during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 in action during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 in action during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 in action during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 in action during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 and linebacker Mykal Walker #43 in action during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons try to block the game winning field goal by Los Angeles Chargers kicker Mike Badgley #4 on December 13, 2020. Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 20-17.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 is shown during warm ups before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 is shown during warm ups before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 is shown during warm ups before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 in action during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 in action during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 celebrates after making an interception during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 in action during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 and linebacker Deion Jones #45 in action during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws the ball away, later called for intentional grounding, during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons tackle Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler #30 during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 in action during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 in action during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 in action during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 in action during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Brandon Powell #15 in action during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Brandon Powell #15 in action during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 in action during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. #56 in action during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Laquon Treadwell #80 celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 before kicking a field Goal during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 celebrates with running back Ito Smith #25 after Ridley received a 39-yard touchdown pass from wide receiver Russell Gage #83 during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 in action during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 in action during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
General View of the interior of SoFi Stadium is shown in Inglewood, CA, before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 is shown during warm ups before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 gestures during pregame before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Kendall Sheffield #20 looks on during pregame before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker LaRoy Reynolds #59 gestures during pregame before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris talks during pregame before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 looks on during pregame before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 looks on during pregame before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Shirts worn before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
The Walter Payton Man of the Year decal on the helmet of Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55\ during pregame before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 warms up during pregame before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Laquon Treadwell #80 celebrates scoring a touchdown withwide receiver Russell Gage #83 during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Laquon Treadwell #80 celebrates scoring a touchdown with running back Ito Smith #25 during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons long snapper Josh Harris #47 gestures during pregame before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
General View of the interior of SoFi Stadium is shown in Inglewood, CA, before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 during pregame before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
The returners huddle in the tunnel before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 looks on during pregame before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
An interior view of SoFi Stadium before the Atlanta Falcons game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons long snapper Josh Harris #47 and defensive end Steven Means #55 pray after the game on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 and cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 gesture during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 makes a tackle during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 celebrates making an interception during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
The Walter Payton Man of the Year decal on the helmet of Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55\ during pregame before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 makes an interception during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 high-fives linebacker Deion Jones #45 after making a sack during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 sacks Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert #10 during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
A generic view of an NFL Football during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 runs the ball during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 prepares to snap the ball during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 high-fives defensive tackle Jacob Tuioti-Mariner #91 during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks off during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Brandon Powell #15 runs the ball during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. #56 gets to Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert #10 during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 looks on during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 reacts during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 reacts during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #43 and linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 gesture during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Ito Smith #25 runs the ball during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 makes a catch during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
A generic image of an Atlanta Falcons helmet during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 runs the football during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 defends during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 passes the football during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 runs the football during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 smiles after throwing a touchdown pass in the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 prepares to throw a touchdown pass in the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Matt Gono #73 hugs wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 after he scored a touchdown in the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 catches a touchdown pass from wide receiver Russell Gage #83 in the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 smiles after throwing a touchdown pass in the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 prepares to throw a touchdown pass in the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 makes a catch in the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons strong safety Keanu Neal #22 makes a tackle in the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 looks on against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 stops Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen #13 in the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
The Atlanta Falcons huddle before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 stands for the coin toss against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks on against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 13, 2020.
