Orchard Park, NY (Sports Network) - Trent Edwards threw for 261 yards and a touchdown to help the Buffalo Bills overcome both a significant power outage at Ralph Wilson Stadium and the San Diego Chargers in a 23-14 victory played without the use of game clocks or instant replay.
Ralph Wilson Stadium was beset by a power outage prior to the game after some helium balloons became entangled with a transformer across from the stadium. Power was lost a total of three times with the first outage occurring about a half-hour before the scheduled 1 p.m. (et) kickoff. A purposeful shut down of power with 12:30 remaining in the first quarter, in an effort to rectify the problem indefinitely, failed when power again was lost just before halftime. Play resumed after the purposeful 15-20 minute delay but without broadcast coverage for some time and without the use of the scoreboard, instant replay or game clocks.
Edwards was 25-of-30 passing with Lee Evans as the main target, as the wideout snagged eight balls for 89 yards and a score. Marshawn Lynch also found the end zone with 70 yards rushing on 19 carries for the Bills (5-1), who improved to 5-1 for the first time since 1995 with their third straight home win. That was also the last time Buffalo reeled off wins its first three home games.
The Bills, who were dealt their first loss of the season at Arizona in Week 5, were coming off the team's bye week that gave second-year QB Edwards sufficient time to recover from a concussion suffered on the third play in the Arizona game.
The win solidified the Bills at the top of the AFC East standings with both the Patriots and Jets two games back apiece. New York is playing a late afternoon game Sunday in Oakland, while New England hosts Denver on Monday night. The Bills' next three games are against division opponents, starting in Miami next Sunday.
Philip Rivers was 22-of-29 for 208 yards and two touchdowns but also tossed a costly pick in the red zone with the team driving in the fourth quarter. Malcolm Floyd and Vincent Jackson were the recipients of Rivers' TD throws for the Chargers (3-4), who were coming off a satisfying 30-10 romp over New England last Sunday.
The normally dangerous LaDainian Tomlinson was held to 41 yards rushing on 14 carries, continuing his season-long struggle while battling a stubborn turf toe injury. He also grabbed six passes for 26 yards in the loss.
