The Chargers dropped to 0-3 after losing a tough one to the Bills.
Los Angeles had plenty of good moments, but also plenty of mistakes in another brutal loss. The Bolts couldn't capitalize when they needed to, and the Bills made them pay in the long run.
Despite winning the turnover battle 5-1, the Chargers scored just 10 points off those takeaways. In the end, they couldn't get out of their own way.
Here are the winners and losers from the rough Week 3 loss.
Winners
Genesis Smith
The fourth-round rookie was stellar in his third game. Smith recorded two interceptions off Josh Allen in the first half, the first picks of his career. His second interception was especially impressive, as he battled DJ Moore for the ball and came away with it. Smith became the first Chargers
rookie with multiple interceptions in a game since Tarheeb Still in 2024.
Tre' Harris
Despite the lackluster offensive output, Harris had a highly productive game individually. He led the Chargers' passing offense in targets (7), receptions (6), and receiving yards (76).
Tarheeb Still
Speaking of Still, he deserves some love for his big defensive play in the contest. In the third quarter, Still executed a precise blindside "Peanut Punch" on tight end Dalton Kincaid, jarring the ball loose after a 24-yard gain. The Chargers didn't capitalize on the fumble, but what a play it was.
Losers
Quentin Johnston
The former Chargers first-round pick just can't seem to get things right on a consistent basis.
Drop issues have been a concern since his first year, and they remain in year four. Johnston's drop issues hurt the Chargers on a big third-down play with a little over five minutes left in the fourth quarter.
You’re never gonna believe this, but Quentin Johnston dropped a ball. pic.twitter.com/VPMvQoAcOl
— Chad Fisher DNP (@ChadFisher) September 27, 2026
Johnston finished the contest with three receptions for 40 yards, another underwhelming showing of the season.
Justin Herbert
Herbert failed yet again to show up when it matters most. Although Herbert threw for his most yards of the season with 226, he threw only one touchdown and one interception. Herbert's interception was damaging because it came in the fourth quarter. Calling the game on FOX, Tom Brady blasted Herbert's lack of awareness on the play, saying he threw a "meatball sub" right to the safety. The Chargers' defense did its job, but Herbert and the offense couldn't take advantage.
Rodney Shelley
The undrafted rookie cornerback stepped in for 11 defensive snaps after Donte Jackson was forced out with a concussion. Shelley endured multiple critical missteps in coverage. He allowed a 37-yard reception to wide receiver Keon Coleman after losing him on an in-and-up route. This play set up Buffalo's game-tying touchdown right before halftime. In the fourth quarter, Shelley committed a defensive holding penalty on Coleman during a 2nd-and-26 play. The penalty gave the Bills an automatic first down, helping them extend a 13-play drive that resulted in Allen's go-ahead touchdown.
The run defense
While the Chargers' defense as a whole played hard and forced five total turnovers, they had no answer for the Bills' ground game. James Cook rushed for 154 yards on 24 carries. He averaged a massive 6.4 yards per attempt.
The offensive line
The Chargers consistently put themselves behind the chains. Joe Alt was flagged for holding during a key drive. Alt leads the league with the most penalties, with 6. After three games, the offensive line continues to be one of the biggest obstacles to this offense finding any rhythm.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers vs. Bills: Winners and losers from Week 3 loss
