The Union-Tribune’s Nick Canepa grades the Chargers following Sunday’s 17-13 win over the Falcons in Atlanta:
Quarterbacks: B-
Justin Herbert came out accurate, but throwing for field goals — three for a 9-7 halftime lead. Touchdowns continue to be at a . There were none by the offense. But he’s not screwing up.
Running backs: Incomplete
The loss of starter J.K. Dobbins, IR-ed with a knee, showed right away. Hassan Haskins lost a fumble on his own 27, leading to the Falcons’ lone TD. Kimani Vidal ran for 16 on his first carry. Given the rare opportunity, Gus Edwards ran hard.
Receivers: D+
Separation was a major problem, leading to sacks by a weak -rushing team. Ladd McConkey is going to be a star, and he caught everything for a while (8 catches for 105 yards in the first half). But McConkey has a bum shoulder, and Derius Davis did a great job recovering his fumble on a 52-yard catch and run. Quentin Johnston didn’t drop a until the third quarter and missed a big block.
Offensive line: D+
Herbert was sacked three times in the first half against a rush that hadn’t been evident on film, but he had time to throw on most occasions.
Defensive line: B
The defense allowed a 15-yard run on the first play and got beat up on the ground early. It then tightened. Teair Tart had a monster sack on the final drive. Poona Ford was evident, as usual, tipping a . Everybody screwed up on a 60-yard play.
Linebackers: B
Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack were active but sacks were slow in coming. Bosa lined up in the neutral zone (which mystifies teacher). Daiyan Henley, who has skill, got nabbed for interference. Troy Dye made some early tackles.
Secondary: A-
Safety Alohi Gilman was placed on IR. Rookie Tarheeb Still had two picks, the second a pick-six, and created a drop on the final drive. San Diegan Tony Jefferson, 32 years young, started at safety and made some plays. Derwin James made an All-Pro tackle-for-loss, then a better one, and had the big pick on Atlanta’s final offensive play. Marcus Maye, signed last week, had a pick in the end zone. Ja’Sir Taylor had a big hit on the QB and the bad play of the day — a hold that would have cooked the Falcons. Elijah Molden had a huge TFL on ATL’s final drive.
Special teams: A
A fake punt didn’t work, and it was critical with them leading 17-13. Cameron Dicker The Kicker put his team on the board with a 52-yard field goal, then added one from 51, then a 34-yarder. JK Scott continued to punt well.
Coaching: B-
Jim Harbaugh wins games but has to find a way to get into the end zones. His defense and special teams are plenty good enough.
Next opportunity — at Kansas City: C-
Some opportunity. K.C. is vulnerable. Can they hold the Chiefs under 20 points?
