The Los Angeles Chargers got their first win of the season easing to a 31-20 victory over the hapless Buffalo Bills.
After a scorching start that ballooned to a 28-6 halftime lead, Philip Rivers and company took their foot off the gas. The cruise controlled Bolts nearly fell asleep and still won by double digits.
Week 2 MVPs
On the offensive side of the ball, Melvin Gordon stole the show with a touchdown hat trick before the final whistle of the first half blew. But the fantasy darling was not alone. Austin Ekeler ran with spirit averaging seven yards a carry.
Yet with just two sacks of Rivers in the game and zero in the first half, give the crown to the offensive line. With little pressure on Rivers and both running backs making an impact, the Chargers key to victory goes to the pancake gang upfront.
As for the Bills MVP, no one left quite as strong of an impression as Vontae Davis. What stats he lacked in the first half was made up for with theatrics. The thought of playing not just another season nor another game nor even another play with the Bills was too much to handle.
Davis’ retirement at halftime symbolizes the Bills this season, just two games into it. The Bills have taken an unfortunate and drastic tumble after breaking the longest playoff drought in professional American sports just nine months ago.
Least Valuable Of The Game
Where the Bills had too many to count, the Chargers only faced a handful of problems. Anthony Lynn deserves the most blame for the comatose second half. Did it matter? No, but it’s a bad habit and the Chargers have a knack for soul-crushing defeats.
On the subject of bad habits, Desmond King‘s abysmal taunting penalty that gave the Bills a first down is absolutely reckless behavior. The drive ended with a Buffalo field goal.
Looking Onward
After a disappointing season debut against young phenom Patrick Mahomes and quarterback guru Andy Reid, who now has nine straight wins against Chargers, the Bolts redeemed themselves with a thorough Week 2 win.
The powers of the AFC are seemingly taking a step back. The Patriots, even with newly acquired Josh Gordon, resemble one of the weakest rosters of the Tom Brady–Bill Belichick era. The Steelers continue to get in their own way with Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown creating more drama. JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner continue to excel in the fast-paced offensive system, but if only this team could all put their egos aside and work towards a seventh franchise title.
With the two AFC powerhouses as vulnerable as they will ever be, the Chargers are still in perfect position to make a move. A Week 15 win over the Kansas City Chiefs might be the final test, but a battle of LA remains their next challenge.
It’s strange to watch the Chargers fold it up in the second half without repercussions, but LA seemed to have their minds and hearts set in preparation for the war of the City of Angels next week. The 2-0 Los Angeles Rams will host their soon-to-be stadium roommates at 1:05 pm Sunday.