Around the NFL

Chargers use stout D to hand first loss to Bills

Published: Sep 21, 2014 at 09:48 AM

The San Diego Chargers jumped out to an early lead over the Buffalo Bills then let their defense do the rest in a 22-10 win on Sunday in Orchard Park. Our takeaways:

Philip Rivers is locked in right now. The veteran quarterback connected with his receivers on six plays of more than 20 yards and finished with a season-high passer rating of 131.4. Is it too early to talk MVP candidates? He's a legit contender through three weeks.

Danny Woodhead was carted off the field during the Chargers' first possession with an ankle injury. Donald Brown stepped in and finished with 62 yards on a career-high 31 carries. With Ryan Mathews also out, San Diego suddenly has depth issues in the backfield.

EJ Manuel is just ... meh. The second-year Bills quarterback holds the ball too long and doesn't take enough chances downfield. An intentional grounding penalty in the end zone cost his team two points and any realistic shot at a comeback. He's holding this offense back right now.

We have a Ladarius Green sighting! The Around The League "Making The Leap" candidate finally showed up in San Diego's passing game, finishing with four catches for 64 yards. The Chargers' offense will get more dangerous when San Diego figures out how to use its athletic tight end.

Manuel and Sammy Watkins made some beautiful music last Sunday, but the pair didn't click against the Chargers. Watkins finished with two catches for 19 yards on eight targets. The No. 4 overall pick didn't have his first reception until the fourth quarter.

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