5 takeaways from a Chargers’ blowout vs. Buffalo Bills

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A week after a disappointing loss to the division rival Kansas City Chiefs, the Los Angeles Chargers rebounded big time and got a much needed win against the Bills in Buffalo.

This week was must-win for the Chargers. And they won. With the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers coming up in the next two games, the Chargers couldn’t lose a winnable game versus the Bills. They showed up and showed out with fewer miscues, and some much better play on offense and defense. Let’s review what went down.

1.Melvin Gordon ate up the first half

ORCHARD PARK, NY – SEPTEMBER 16: Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on September 16, 2018 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

A dominant performance from Melvin Gordon and the offensive line absolutely battered the Bills in the first half. If it keeps working, keep going to it. A rushing touchdown along with two catching touchdowns propelled Gordon to have a much better week than he did the last week. Now, the Buffalo D is in a state of peril really. I mean, Vontae Davis retired at halftime. They are in flux and so you have to quantify Gordon’s first half as well as the Chargers’ first half with that.

But this was definitely a confidence booster for the Chargers’ offense that struggled to run the ball with Gordon, along with many receiver dropped balls. Gordon and Austin Ekeler made for a great pair and the receivers were catching balls. You can criticize the slow play in the second half, but Gordon, Philip Rivers and crew were balling out and controlled the game.

2. Some GREAT performances from rookies on the defense

Gus Bradley made defense a huge priority in the draft to get some young, athletic talent on the defense. And it paid off today in spades.

Derwin James was a human wrecking ball on the field, getting to Josh Allen with sacks, as well as playing some great pass defense. Kyzir White transitioned nicely into a linebacker role and made some great plays, including a great interception to seal the game. Uchenna Nwosu got a great sack in the first quarter and got four tackles to go along with it.

Bradley drafted these guys to make athletic plays on defense. And they did just that today against the Bills and even some last week against Kansas City. As the defense develops throughout the year and Joey Bosa gets back, the rookies are going to be a huge difference maker.

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