The Chargers defense gave the team every opportunity to win against the Bills, forcing five turnovers and keeping Josh Allen in check. Unfortunately, the offense once again failed to capitalize, making the loss even more frustrating.
The Los Angeles Chargers lost to the Buffalo Bills 24-16 on Sunday, dropping to 0-3 on the season. While there is plenty to criticize about this team right now, the defense should not be at the top of that list.
In fact, the Chargers defense was the biggest reason they were even in position to win this game.
Going into Buffalo, the Chargers knew they had a major challenge in front of them. Josh Allen and the Bills had scored 77 points through their first two games and were one of the hottest offenses in the NFL. Instead of getting overwhelmed, the Chargers defense came out and attacked.
They forced five turnovers, including two interceptions from rookie safety Genesis Smith. Smith picked off Allen twice for the first two interceptions of his career, while Khalil Mack forced a fumble and Akheem Mesidor recorded his first full sack. Justin Eboigbe also forced a fumble on Buffalo’s opening offensive play.
Holding the Bills to 24 points while forcing five turnovers is an impressive performance, especially against an offense that had been rolling coming into this game.
Unfortunately, the Chargers offense couldn’t take advantage.
That has been the story of this season so far.
The defense repeatedly gave the offense opportunities to build a lead, but the Chargers simply couldn’t capitalize. Three of Buffalo’s five turnovers came in Bills territory, yet Los Angeles struggled to turn those opportunities into touchdowns.
Justin Herbert finished the game 20-of-34 for 226 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Keaton Mitchell provided a spark with 52 rushing yards and scored the Chargers’ only touchdown, while Omarion Hampton added 56 yards on 15 carries.
The offense also managed only six points after halftime.
That’s simply not good enough when your defense is doing everything it can to keep you in a game against a team like Buffalo.
The most frustrating part is that this wasn’t a game where the Chargers were completely overmatched. They had opportunities. They created turnovers. They had chances to extend their lead and put pressure on the Bills.
Instead, the offense continued to sputter.
The Chargers even had a chance to go up 13-0 in the second quarter, but Cameron Dicker missed a 45-yard field goal. Later in the game, Herbert threw an interception shortly after the defense had forced its fifth turnover. The Chargers ultimately went scoreless on both of those opportunities.
There is no question the offense needs to figure things out. Three games into the season, the problems are becoming harder to dismiss as early-season struggles.
But the defense deserves credit.
After two disappointing losses to open the season, the Chargers defense stepped up against one of the best offenses in football. If the offense can eventually find its rhythm, performances like this could give the Chargers a chance to turn things around.
Unfortunately, at 0-3, the Chargers don’t have much room for error anymore.
The defense showed up in Buffalo. Now the offense needs to do the same.
