Chargers start strong, show fight under interim coach Giff Smith before another heartbreaking loss

When the Chargers recovered Buffalo's fumble on a punt return and punched it into the end zone four plays later to take a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter Saturday night, SoFi Stadium's large contingent of Buffalo snowbirds fell silent — and the often-outnumbered home fans roared. Giff Smith's career as the Chargers' interim head coach was off to an auspicious start in those heady moments. Although it ultimately didn't last against a playoff-contending Bills team, the longtime assistant was proud of his turmoil-plagued team even after Buffalo rallied for a 24-22 victory on a last-minute field goal.