Systems and methods for controlling air flow in an engine including a turbocharger are provided. One example method includes during a first operating range, operating the engine with a first exhaust valve duration at a first exhaust valve timing, during a second operating range, operating the engine with a second exhaust valve duration at a second timing, and during a third operating range, operating the engine with the first exhaust valve duration at a third timing, where engine load of the second operating range is higher than engine load of the first operating range, which in turn is higher than engine load of the third operating range, and where the first exhaust valve duration is longer than the second exhaust valve duration, and where the first timing is retarded to a greater extent than either of the second and third timings.