Bills Defense Bails Out Josh Allen in 24-16 Win Over Chargers

Buffalo Improves to 3-0 as Defense Overcomes Five Turnovers

The Buffalo Bills overcame a sloppy offensive performance and five turnovers by relying on their defense to outlast the Los Angeles Chargers 24-16 on Sunday in NFL Week 3. Buffalo safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson punctuated the defensive effort with a goal line interception of Justin Herbert, bailing out Josh Allen and the Bills after another costly turnover. The interception, on a pass intended for Marquez Valdes-Scantling, came just three plays after Allen fumbled at his own 28-yard line.

The Chargers were unable to capitalize, and Buffalo finally took control when Allen capped the ensuing drive with a 1-yard touchdown run with 7:35 remaining. About four minutes later, after the Bills’ defense stopped Herbert on fourth down, James Cook broke through for a 3-yard touchdown run to give Buffalo the cushion it needed.

Allen finished with two touchdown runs and two interceptions while throwing for 204 yards. Despite the uneven performance, the Bills improved to 3-0 for the third consecutive season and for the fifth time in nine seasons with Allen as their quarterback.

Bills Defense Comes Through When It Matters Most

Buffalo’s defense repeatedly answered when the offense put the team in difficult situations. Gardner-Johnson’s interception was the biggest play of the afternoon, but it was part of a larger effort that kept Los Angeles from turning multiple opportunities into touchdowns.

The Chargers had six drives end inside Buffalo’s 30-yard line but managed only one touchdown and three field goals. Los Angeles opened the game with a 10-0 lead after taking advantage of Buffalo’s first two turnovers in the opening quarter, but the Chargers’ offense struggled to finish drives the rest of the way.

Herbert completed 20 of 34 passes for 226 yards, one touchdown and one interception. His lone touchdown came on a 1-yard shovel pass to Keaton Mitchell. The Chargers’ final points came when Cameron Dicker converted a 33-yard field goal with 1:56 remaining. Buffalo then recovered the ensuing onside kick, effectively ending Los Angeles’ comeback hopes.

Chargers’ Offensive Struggles Continue

The loss dropped the Chargers to 0-3 for the first time since 2017, extending an increasingly difficult start for first year offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.

Los Angeles followed up losses to Arizona and Las Vegas with another offensive performance in which opportunities repeatedly ended without touchdowns. Through three games, the Chargers have more punts than touchdowns and have committed six turnovers.

The Chargers did manage to make life difficult for Allen. Buffalo’s quarterback was held to 204 passing yards and was sacked four times, while rookie safety Genesis Smith recorded both of Allen’s interceptions. Still, the Chargers could not turn their defensive performance into a victory.

Allen and Cook Make Enough Plays

Allen’s two rushing touchdowns helped rescue an offense that repeatedly gave the Chargers chances. His two touchdown runs also pushed his career total from scrimmage to 87 — 85 rushing and two receiving tying Hall of Famers Thurman Thomas and Andre Reed for the Bills’ franchise record.

Allen’s six rushing touchdowns through three games also put him alongside Hall of Famers Jim Brown, Marshall Faulk and LaDainian Tomlinson as the only players to record at least six rushing touchdowns in each of their first nine seasons. Cook provided the biggest offensive production for Buffalo, rushing for 154 yards and scoring the late touchdown that helped seal the victory. However, his day began with a fumble on the opening snap.

Tight end Dalton Kincaid also lost a fumble in the third quarter while fighting for extra yardage at the Chargers’ 17-yard line, contributing to Buffalo’s turnover total. Allen acknowledged afterward that the Bills may have stolen the victory, but he also gave full credit to a defense that repeatedly kept Buffalo in position to win.

For the Chargers, the loss leaves an offense searching for answers after three games. For Buffalo, the Bills remain undefeated despite an afternoon in which the offense gave the opponent every opportunity to take control. The Bills did not play a clean game, but their defense made sure they did not need to.