CHARGERS: Atlanta's Abraham a terror off the edge

By JAY PARIS - Staff Writer | Wednesday, November 26, 2008 6:35 PM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- Marcus McNeill and Jeromey Clary know what lies ahead: John Abraham.

The Chargers' starting offensive tackles long to keep the Atlanta Falcons defensive end out of Philip Rivers' grill on Sunday. Here's food for thought: Good luck.

"He's got speed, got a nice inside move, and he plays the run,'' said McNeill, the Chargers' left tackle. "We are just going to have to be on our best game this week.''

Clary, the right tackle, agrees.

"He's a talented guy, pretty much like the guys we faced against Indianapolis ,'' Clary said. "He is really good, really talented and really athletic.''

All that adds up to a really good pass rusher, and that's Abraham's reputation.

The 6-foot-4, 263-pound Abraham bounces around the line. That's why both tackles will get a look at the three-time Pro Bowler. Whatever side doesn't include the tight end, that's where Abraham is found in the Falcons' 4-3 alignment.

"He goes to the weak side, and both of us have kind of a game plan for him,'' McNeill said. "And we want to try for him not to make too much noise.''

On 12 occasions this season, Abraham has created a racket in the backfield by recording a sack. Only the Miami Dolphins' Joey Porter has more with 14 1/2.

"He is an explosive guy, and we played him a few years ago when he was with the Jets,'' said Rivers, who has been sacked twice in four of the last five games. "We have to be aware of him.''

McNeill said Abraham, a nine-year pro, is not only skilled but experienced.

"Whenever you've got a guy that actually knows the game and they know the ins and outs of it, it is going to be a bigger task for me,'' McNeill said. "He knows the game and has been around for a while. So we got our hands full this week.''

That goes for Clary, too.

Nine of Abraham's sacks and all three of his forced fumbles have come against left tackles. Three sacks have been when Abraham set up shop on the right side.

Rivers must also be aware of his grip on the football; he has lost three fumbles this season. Abraham has forced 30 fumbles since 2000, the fourth most in the NFL during that span.

"I know he is a great player and I just look forward to the challenge,'' McNeill said. "That and trying to contain him.''  

Falcons' hope

Among the reasons why Atlanta will arrive with a 7-4 record ---- a year removed from 4-12 ---- is the play of rookie quarterback Matt Ryan.

The former Boston College standout has thrown for 11 touchdowns and six interceptions in helping the franchise move on from convicted felon Michael Vick.

Ryan has already earned NFC rookie of the month and NFC offensive player of the week awards. He has guided the Falcons to a 5-1 mark at home and has a 300-yard passing game on his resume.

The way Ryan was thrust into the lineup is the opposite of how Rivers became a starter. While Rivers (a No. 4 overall pick) sat for two years behind Drew Brees, Ryan (a No. 3 selection) started from the beginning.

"You never know what's best,'' said Rivers, the NFL's top-rated passer. "Certainly there is a side of me that wonders what would have been if I would have been thrown in there right away.

"There are two ways to get it done, and I think both can work. And obviously Matt showed, being thrown right in there, that you can win games early.''  

Injury update

Fullback Mike Tolbert (shoulder) didn't practice and appears unlikely to play Sunday. Tolbert would be replaced by rookie Jacob Hester.

Others not practicing Wednesday were defensive tackle Jamal Williams (rest) and defensive end Keith Grennan (leg).

Defensive end Luis Castillo (groin) and cornerback Antonio Cromartie (hip) were limited participants. Cletis Gordon (knee) made it through the entire session.

Et cetera

The Chargers received a 24-hour extension to sell enough tickets to lift the local TV blackout of Sunday's game against the Falcons. About 2,000 tickets must be sold by 1 p.m. Friday for the game to be shown on Channel 5. ... S Travis Key was added to the practice squad. ... The Chargers' NFL high school coach of the week is Joe Silvey of Fallbrook. The Warriors' program will receive a $1,500 donation from the Chargers.

Contact staff writer Jay Paris at jparis8@aol.com.