The Union-Tribune’s Nick Canepa grades the Chargers following Sunday’s 22-10 win over the Raiders:
Quarterbacks: C
Justin Herbert, fresh off a training camp foot issue (which was repaired), put his worst foot forward as things unfolded. Nothing doing. Eighteen minutes ed before his second first down. A lot of short stuff, knowing his receiving crew doesn’t have pedigree. The Chargers were 0-for-7 on first-half third downs. But Herbert persevered and was in control after intermission.
Running backs: A
Gus Edwards and J.K Dobbins, brought in from Baltimore, are starters 1 and 1-a. Dobbins (when healthy, which is rare) is dangerous, and he showed it with a 46-yard run and an 11-yarder for their first TD, and ran out of gas on a big 61-yarder.
Receivers: C-
Will Dissly had three early penalties, which has teacher ready to send the newbie to the principal’s office. Wideout Quentin Johnston, last year’s No. 1 pick — and a bust — is talented, and he showed it when he had a chance. Rookie Ladd McConkey made it four pre-snap penalties early in the second quarter, but he caught the icing TD late. Joshua Palmer could have had a touchdown, but didn’t.
Offensive line: C+
New and spotty. Couldn’t block for the run in most cases and blocking was nothing for Canton in the first half. Much better after intermission. Rookie Joe Alt is a stud.
Defensive line: A
Otito Ogbonnia is feisty in the middle. As was Poona Ford, who made a huge fourth-and-1 stop and had a late pick.
Linebackers: A+
Joey Bosa had a big third-and-1 stop early, and a great shoestring to stop a sure first down. Khalil Mack had the first sack, and Bosa had one on the next play. Mack then scooped up a backward and returned it into scoring position before the half. He also had a sack and a tip. Denzel Perryman was a tackling machine when he was with the team years ago, and nothing much has changed. Junior Colson was bitten for a chunk that led to nothing.
Secondary: C+
Asante Samuel Jr. was everywhere, which included being out of position when he missed a tackle leading to the first touchdown. Samuel also had a hit out of bounds and recovered a fumble forced by Bosa. Alohi Gilman was active and a reason why the DBs tackled better.
Special teams: A-
Cameron Dicker The Kicker put his team on the board with a 53-yard field goal, then two shorter ones. Darius Davis tried to return a punt from the one, as if it were the first time he’s played. JK Scott, as usual, punted well, given multiple opportunities.
Coaching: B
Jim Harbaugh’s team was sloppy early in his debut, which he played without gimmicks. Needless penalties. A conservative offensive game plan that wasn’t working. Thought he should have gone for it fourth-and-1 in the second quarter. But his team was stout. It was a win — and the other guys scored 10 points.
Next opportunity — at Carolina: A
Carolina stinks. Hasn’t done anything since Roy Williams retired.
