Chargers tied for first in AFC West

Sep 21, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Donald Brown (34) runs around Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

With the big win over the Buffalo Bills (2-1) this Sunday the San Diego Chargers (2-1) are now tied with the Denver Broncos (2-1) for first place in the AFC West.  The Kansas City Chiefs (1-2) finally pulled out a win at home against the Miami Dolphins (1-2) putting them in second place.  Soundly in last place we find the hapless Oakland Raiders at 0-3.

The Chargers were able to dominate the Bills for the entire game yesterday with a final score of 22-10.  There were definitely highs and lows in the game.  It was nice to see Eddie Royal stepping up as the primary receiver in the game.  Royal and Philip Rivers connected for four receptions for 42-yards in addition to Royal’s two touchdowns.  His first score came in the first possession of the game.  Royal’s longest reception was for 23-yards.  Malcolm Floyd was the long bomb specialist yesterday grabbing two different passes for 49 yards each.  I am just loving how Rivers is performing and spreading the ball around.  With the exception of the run, run, pass, punt offense that Reich was calling in the second half, Rivers looked like he was having a good time.

The biggest hero of the offense came in the form of a 5’10”, 207 pound running back.  Donald Brown got bumped up to the number one running back when Danny Woodhead went out with an ankle injury.  With both Mathews and Woodhead out, Brown took on the challenge and lead the team in carries (31) and catches (five) for 36 total touches.  Of the 63 offensive plays, Brown accounted for an incredible 57.1% of the offense.  I will say I think we got too conservative and he was overused, but he showed that he is very capable of being an every down back and knowing we have this depth at running back is nice.

Defense, defense, defense!  What a great game for the Bolts defense – again!  They had the Bills offense figured out and Eric Weddle and the rest of his crew were punishing receivers, backs and the quarterback with reckless abandon.  My favorite play on defense came when my friend Corey Liuget sacked Manuel for a 17-yard loss.  Liuget also got the last points of the game when he sacked Manuel in the end zone for the safety.  With the addition of a sack by Reyes, the Bolts racked up three sacks in total for a loss of 33 yards.

With the win also came some bad news.  Danny Woodhead was carted off the field after a play that looked to me like the Bills defense was intentionally trying to hurt him.  The initial reports are of a high ankle sprain, a fracture and surgery is needed – meaning the end of his season.  The Bolts have not released an official report because they are wanting a second opinion.  No matter what the second opinion states, expect our two primary running backs to be out for another month.

Back at home this week to play the 0-3 Jaguars.