Nick Canepa’s Chargers report card

Quarterbacks

coaches seemed to be sitting on Justin Herbert, turning him into a coffee dunker, when the long throw is his thing. He was just good enough, coming off a failed exam. He had a chance to win it and threw a third-and-1 pick that Keenan Allen nonchalantly missed. But he made the big throws on the final drive.

Running backs

Ekeler simply is fine, versatile, tough, smart back, maybe the NFL’s best on screens. Backup Justin Jackson returned. Kalen Ballage got away with a fumble.

Receivers

C+

Allen continued to weave his league-leading, route-running magic, catching 9 plus a TD, but after sidelined a spell with back tightness, got too casual on a late pick. Mike Williams went to see the nurse with his usual back issues. Improving Tyron “Tryin’ One” Johnson caught a TD, had a first-down catch and a big one leading to the winning kick.

Offensive line

Bryan Is There Doctor in the House” Bulaga went out early concussed, and infirmary mate Trai Turner later joined him, replaced by Cole “Iso” Toner. Sam Tevi came back to his LT seat. Forrest “Not Gregg” Lamp jumped as if struck by high voltage.

Defensive line

C

Little pressure and a soft cone vs. the run. Most stains on Matt Ryan’s all-whites were from spilled Gatorade. Justin Jones had a sack, Linval Joseph a TFL. Jerry Tillery didn’t start, sent to his corner for too many egregious penalties, but he helped on a sack given to Uchenna Nwosu. Joey Bosa had 3 QB hits.

Linebackers

Murray, coming off his best week, put his hands on somebody’s face, but he’s playing in a hurry now. Kyzir White returned from recess and made tackles.

Secondary

Old-timer Jahleel Addae had a pick near the bell, followed by Michael Davis saving things with one even later. Chris Harris got beat deep for a TD on a pass thrown by a receiver, then broke up one.

Special teams A

Anthony Lynn found something he could coach — special teams, which he took over after last week’s football Hindenburg. Michael Badgley had the game-winning 43-yarder, and knuckled one from 35 earlier. Nasir Adderley returned a kickoff a patriotic 76 yards.

Coaching DAnthony

“Rolex” Lynn again presided over a colossal clock management blunder at the end of the half, running out of time near the goal line (how long will it take the Spanoses to evaluate that?). He called it “too aggressive,” which it wasn’t. It was stupid. Field goal saved him from another F.

Next opportunity (at Raiders, Thursday)

Coulda/woulda beaten the Raiders last time. This time? They may have a better chance winning the car on Caesars slots.