Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR) - The Buffalo Bills came back from a rough start to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers, 24-16, on Sunday, and move to 3-0 to start the 2026 season.
Here are my Arrows Up and Down from the contest, starting Up for a third-straight week:
Orchard Park, N.Y. - Buffalo Bills running back James Cook runs the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Highmark Stadium on Sept. 27, 2026. Timothy T. Ludwig - Getty Images
ARROW UP:
Defense getting stops when needed
The Bills defense was put in some tough spots because of the offense, but were able to keep the team in it with a couple of key stops. This included holding the Chargers to a field goal after they started at the Bills' 43-yard line, and coming up with an interception at the goal line.
After an opening drive touchdown, Los Angeles didn’t find the end zone the rest of the game.
Greg Rousseau
Rousseau collected his fifth and sixth sacks of the season, becoming the first Bills player to ever have, at least, six sacks in the team’s first three games. He also became the first player to ever open a season with two or more sacks in three-straight games, and third player in NFL history to ever have three-straight games of, at least, two sacks at any point, joining Mark Gastineau and Kevin Greene.
Rousseau collected eight total tackles and added four quarterback hits.
Davison Igbinosun
The rookie was pressed into duty after Christian Benford left with a toe injury. He saw some time even before that, but had to play a big role as the game went on, and finished with five total tackles and a pass breakup.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson
The veteran came up with an absolutely monstrous interception when the Bills needed it most, right at the goal line to not only prevent a possible Chargers touchdown, but then take the ball back to the Bills' 42 yard line.
He also had a pair of pass breakups and five total tackles.
James Cook... after the first play
Cook fumbled on the very first play of the game (more on that in a bit), but by the time zeros showed on the clock, he ran for 154 yards on 24 carries, averaging 6.4 yards per-run.
Ty Johnson
Johnson came up huge when the team needed him in the passing game, catching four passes for 50 yards.
Red zone defense
As mentioned, the Bills defense came up with some big stops. The Chargers were just 1-for-4 (25%) scoring touchdowns once inside the Buffalo red zone.
Orchard Park, N.Y. - Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid fumbles after a 24-yard reception against the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter of a game at Highmark Stadium on Sept. 27, 2026. Bryan M. Bennett - Getty Images
ARROW DOWN:
First-half offense
I couldn’t imagine a worse start for the Bills offense.
Not only did Cook fumble on the very first play, quarterback Josh Allen threw two interceptions, and the Bills scored just 10 points.
Josh Allen
Allen wasn’t sharp, connecting on just 16-of-26 passes (61.5%) for just 204 yards and throwing a pair of interceptions.
He also lost a fumble in the second half.
James Cook on the first play
Cook fumbled the ball on the first play off the game. That gave the Chargers the ball in Bills territory, and they scored a touchdown eight plays later.
Dalton Kincaid’s fumble
Kincaid had a really nice run after catch that was going to set the Bills up inside the Chargers' red zone, but had the ball too loose in his arm and had it punched out.
The Chargers recovered.
Pass protection
The Chargers sacked Josh Allen four times, and added another seven quarterback hits. Allen wasn’t good enough, but he also didn’t have enough time and space too often.
Penalties
The Bills were called for 10 penalties for 88 yards, including one that took an interception off the board and others that extended Chargers drives.
Outlet Liquor
