The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Buffalo Bills 31-20 on Sunday at New Era Field for their first win of the 2018 season.
Running back Melvin Gordon scored three touchdowns – all in the first half – while Philip Rivers spread the ball to six different receivers and finished an efficient 23-of-27 for 256 yards and three touchdowns. The Chargers' defense was credited with five sacks. They hit rookie quarterback Josh Allen eight times and picked him off twice.
A pair of Chargers defensive rookies set the early tone for a dominant first half. On Buffalo's first possession, Allen – while trying to avoid a blitzing Derwin James – was sacked by linebacker Uchenna Nwosu. James added a tackle for loss later in the first quarter.
Check out some of the best action photos from the Bolts Week 2 match against the Buffalo Bills
Melvin Gordon breaks through for a run against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Uchenna Nwosu celebrates his sack of Bills QB Josh Allen during Sunday's game at New Era Field.
Jahleel Addae celebrates a tackle during Week 2's game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Darius Philon and Uchenna Nwosu celebrates Nwosu's sack during Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Philip Rivers looks to throw during Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Mike Williams jumped to grab a pass for a touchdown during Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Mike Williams jumps up for a touchdown grab against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Mike Williams celebrates his touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Melvin Ingram celebrates Mike Williams' touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Damion Square and Chris Landrum celebrate a tackle against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Trevor Williams, Jahleel Addae and Derwin James celebrate a tackle during Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Austin Ekeler runs downfield during Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Melvin Gordon scores a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Melvin Gordon celebrates his touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Mike Williams celebrates during Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Darius Philon tackles during Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Darius Philon tackles during Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Tyrell Williams avoids a tackle during Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Tyrell Williams runs downfield during Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Tyrell Williams jumps to avoid a tackle during Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Dan Feeney and Melvin Gordon celebrate Gordon's touchdown during Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Tyrell Williams runs downfield during Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Darius Philon and Justin Jones celebrate during Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Keenan Allen avoids a tackle during Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Melvin Gordon runs downfield during Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
The Bolts celebrate Melvin Gordon's third touchdown of the day against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
The Bolts celebrate Melvin Gordon's third touchdown of the day against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Melvin Ingram takes down Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen in Sunday's game at New Era Field.
Melvin Ingram takes down Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen in Sunday's game at New Era Field.
Melvin Ingram takes down Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen in Sunday's game at New Era Field.
Derwin James makes a tackle during Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
Both defensive plays were key in setting up the Chargers' first two scores of the day. Wide receiver Mike Williams caught his first career touchdown – a 10-yard pass from Rivers – to give L.A. a 7-0 lead. It capped a three-play, 38-yard drive which also included a 25-yard reception by tight end Virgil Green.
On the Bolts' next offensive possession, Gordon finished a six-play, 61-yard drive with a 20-yard touchdown run. Los Angeles led 14-0 after the first quarter – and Gordon wasn't done.
After a Buffalo field goal, the Chargers marched down the field again courtesy of two Austin Ekeler rushes (22 and 16 yards) and a 23-yard reception by Green. This time, Gordon scored on a nine-yard reception from Rivers.
The hat trick for No. 28 came on a two-yard touchdown reception from Rivers with two minutes remaining in the second quarter. Los Angeles led 28-6 at halftime. Gordon finished the game with 66 total yards.
Ekeler rushed for a career-high 77 yards on 11 carries. Defensive end Melvin Ingram notched 1.5 sacks and three quarterback hits. James had six total tackles – two for loss – and a sack. Safety Adrian Phillips and rookie linebacker Kyzir White added two second-half interceptions of Allen.
Dating back to last season, Los Angeles has outscored Buffalo 85-44 in two meetings.
UP NEXT:
The Chargers travel up the road to face the Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Week 3. Kickoff is at 1:05 p.m. Pacific on CBS.
