Chargers’ Genesis Smith grabs interception of the year candidate against Josh Allen

In the early stages of Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season, Orchard Park, New York witnessed an extraordinary moment as Genesis Smith of the Los Angeles Chargers intercepted a pass from Buffalo Bills' quarterback Josh Allen. The 2-0 Bills trailed the 0-2 Chargers 10-3, and Allen had already thrown two interceptions in the first half, with Smith likely making the most memorable of them all.

Facing a 2nd-and-6 in their own territory, Allen attempted to throw a post route to D.J. Moore, but instead, the ball found its way into Smith's possession. The interception, which Smith secured while rolling over and onto the turf, left spectators in awe. Perhaps even more astonishing, the ball remained in Smith's grasp despite him landing on the ground—how did it manage to stay off the ground?

The Chargers quarterback's first interception was a bit easier to come by, but this second one proved to be the standout play of the day. With Smith's interception, the Chargers had secured a total of three takeaways in the first quarter. Earlier, James Cook had fumbled the ball on the first play from scrimmage, allowing the Chargers to capitalize on their opponent's mistake. As the Bills struggled to find their footing, it had been a tumultuous day for them.