The Buffalo Bills found just about every possible way to make life difficult for themselves on Sunday.
Five turnovers. Two Josh Allen interceptions. Three lost fumbles.
And somehow, a win.
Buffalo overcame an incredibly sloppy afternoon to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 24–16 and improve to 3–0.
First Quarter: Chargers Capitalize on Buffalo’s Mistakes
Buffalo’s afternoon could hardly have started worse.
James Cook fumbled on the Bills’ first offensive play, immediately giving the Chargers possession in Buffalo territory.
Los Angeles took advantage.
Justin Herbert connected with Keaton Mitchell for a one-yard touchdown to give the Chargers an early 7–0 lead.
Buffalo continued to struggle offensively throughout the opening quarter, while Los Angeles added a Cameron Dicker field goal to extend its advantage to 10–0.
The Chargers defense also began forcing Josh Allen into mistakes.
Rookie safety Genesis Smith intercepted Allen twice during the first half, including an impressive takeaway while defending a deep pass intended for DJ Moore.
Buffalo had turned the football over three times before halftime, but Los Angeles failed to fully capitalize on those opportunities.
Second Quarter: Buffalo Fights Back
Despite everything that had gone wrong, Buffalo remained within striking distance.
Tyler Bass finally put the Bills on the board with a 28-yard field goal, cutting the Chargers’ lead to 10–3.
The Bills then put together their biggest drive of the half late in the second quarter.
Allen connected with Keon Coleman for a huge 37-yard completion that moved Buffalo all the way to the Los Angeles one-yard line.
Josh Allen finished the drive himself with a one-yard rushing touchdown, tying the game at 10–10 just before halftime.
Considering Buffalo had already committed three turnovers, reaching halftime tied felt like a major missed opportunity for Los Angeles.
Third Quarter: Chargers Regain the Lead
Neither offense found much success coming out of halftime.
The Chargers eventually moved into scoring range, but Buffalo’s defense prevented Los Angeles from reaching the end zone.
Cameron Dicker connected on a short field goal to put the Chargers back in front 13–10.
Buffalo entered the fourth quarter trailing despite being within one possession throughout an afternoon filled with mistakes.
Fourth Quarter: Buffalo Takes Over
The Bills finally grabbed their first lead of the game in the fourth quarter.
Buffalo put together a scoring drive with Allen once again using his legs near the goal line.
Josh Allen powered into the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the afternoon, giving Buffalo a 17–13 lead.
From there, James Cook helped Buffalo finish the comeback.
Cook had been productive throughout the afternoon despite his opening-drive fumble, consistently finding room against the Chargers defense.
He eventually delivered the decisive score.
James Cook punched in a three-yard touchdown run to extend Buffalo’s lead to 24–13.
Los Angeles added a late field goal to cut the deficit to eight, but Buffalo recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the remaining clock.
Final Thoughts
This was about as messy as a victory can get.
Buffalo turned the football over five times and committed 10 penalties for 88 yards. Allen threw two interceptions and didn’t record a passing touchdown.
The Bills still found a way to win.
A major reason was James Cook.
Cook finished with 154 rushing yards on 24 carries and a touchdown, providing Buffalo with consistent offense when the passing game wasn’t at its best.
Allen finished with 204 passing yards and two interceptions, but his two rushing touchdowns proved crucial.
The Buffalo defense deserves plenty of credit as well. Los Angeles repeatedly received opportunities because of Bills turnovers but managed only 16 points.
Justin Herbert finished with 226 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception as the Chargers fell to 0–3.
Buffalo wasn’t clean.
Buffalo wasn’t dominant.
But Buffalo survived five turnovers and still walked away undefeated.
Final score: Bills 24, Chargers 16.
Buffalo is 3–0.
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