{
  "id": 10085004,
  "title": "Chargers' defensive keys to victory vs. Bills in Week 3",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/chargers-defensive-keys-to-victory-vs-bills-in-week-3",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-26T23:18:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/chargers-defensive-keys-victory-vs-231820890.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Los Angeles Chargers will face the Buffalo Bills at the new Highmark Stadium in Week 3, aiming for their first win of the season. To secure victory, the Chargers' defensive strategy must center around stopping the opposing team's run. Their run defense has been solid this season, ranking 7th in yards per game allowed, 7th in EPA/rush allowed, and 6th in rushing success rate allowed. Despite playing running backs Jeremiyah Love and Ashton Jeanty, who are considered blue-chip talent, the Chargers' defense has held up well. However, their upcoming matchup against the Bills presents a different challenge, as they will face both 2025 rushing champion James Cook and a strong offensive line, particularly without defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson.\n\nLimiting Buffalo's running game should alleviate some pressure on the Chargers' secondary, which has shown inconsistent performance in coverage through the first two weeks of the season. Linebacker Daiyan Henley and safety Derwin James Jr. have struggled in these areas, ranking 195th and 216th, respectively, out of 267 players with at least 15 coverage snaps. Tight ends have had success against the Chargers, and Dalton Kincaid, in particular, has produced strong results with 225 yards and a touchdown on 12 receptions this season. James is also recovering from a finger injury, which could further complicate matters for the Chargers' secondary.\n\nIf the Chargers' defensive backfield, consisting of RJ Mickens and Genesis Smith, can communicate and connect better, it will be crucial to containing Buffalo's playmakers. The Chargers' defense has allowed 52 points this season, ranking 11th in the NFL, while Buffalo has scored the most points in the league with 77 points. If the Chargers can force the Bills into settling for field goals, they may be able to keep pace with the offense and secure the victory.",
  "summary": "Here's what the Chargers have to do defensively to come out victorious on Sunday.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}