The Union-Tribune’s Nick Canepa grades the Chargers following Monday’s 17-15 loss to the Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz.:
Quarterbacks: B
Justin Herbert was playing with receivers he hadn’t seen since kindergarten. He came out throwing well with bad luck on a fumbled long . Made a brilliant sideline throw, leading to a late first-half FG. He threw for 349 yards. Game ended without his team not scoring a TD in six straight quarters. With Herbert?
Running backs: C
It was JK Dobbins, JK Dobbins and JK Dobbins — but not enough JK Dobbins. The team that wants to run can’t.
Receivers: B
Threats are at a . No. 1 wideout, No. 2 Derius Davis, and No. 1 TE Hayden Hurst all sat it out, leaving a shallow -catching pool with little experience wading in it. Jalen Reagor caught a long early and fumbled it out of the end zone (maybe the worst rule in football). Simi Fehoko caught some important es. Tight end Will Dissly had the game of his life. Joshua Palmer resurfaced and made a sensational sideline catch. Stone Smartt had a big catch. Ladd McConkey didn’t play like a rookie.
Offensive line: C
Herbert usually had enough time to throw, but his novice receivers had trouble gaining separation. Run-blocking has been much better than it was in Arizona. Trouble holding their blocks. Freshman Joe Alt had a rookie mistake motion penalty.
Defensive line: D
Teair Tart picked a batted and fumbled it away, and then lined up improperly. Tackling was horrible against one of the worst run offenses in the NFL.
Linebackers: C
Joey “I’m Still Hurt” Bosa was out. Khalil Mack batted down the first of the game and then a few seconds later chased the QB to Tucson. Denzel Perryman was one of the few defenders who could tackle. Mack made a fabulous fourth-and-short stop. Hard to say anyone was on defense on Kyler Murray’s long, untouched go-ahead touchdown run. No sacks.
Secondary: C
Ja’Sir Taylor had a nice defense and then got beat for a TD on a very difficult to defend, then had a TFL. Derwin James, as usual, was all over the Valley of the Sun. Asante Samuel (on injured reserve) is missed. Cam Hart had the huge personal foul leading to the winning kick.
Special teams: A
Cameron Dicker The Kicker opened scoring with a majestic, team-record-tying, 59-yard field goal, then a 50-yarder as the half ended, then two shorter ones. McConkey took over return duties for Davis.
Coaching: D
Jim Harbaugh sings Herbert’s praises, but he has to come up with something to get his quarterback help. His offense isn’t frightening children. He needs help.
Next opportunity — vs. Saints: B-
If these hay farmers are going to make some of their product prior to storm season, now is the time to harvest. Saints, Browns, Titans coming up. But if they don’t get back some of their people, it won’t matter if they play the Yuma High Criminals.
