Nick Canepa’s Chargers report card
Quarterbacks F
In a game that had “awful” tattooed on its skin going in, Justin Herbert played with new student/athletes he’d probably never met. The Pro Bowler picked a lousy day to give up being good, against a bad team (when his defense stunk all the way to Galveston). He threw a bad pick in the end zone that ruined a promising drive. Oh, and Justin’s too tall to keep having passes batted down (many D linemen aren’t short). Threw a pick-6 in garbage time.
Running backs C
Top rusher-and-catcher-out-ofthe-backfield Austin Ekeler was sent home COVID-positive, a major loss. In his seat was Justin Jackson, who ran and caught (98 yards receiving) extremely well. He scored the first TD, then lost a crucial 4th-quarter fumble (then scored another). Backup Joshua Kelley contributed.
Receivers C
Mike Williams also was out with the virus, and it showed. Practice squadder Jason Moore was activated and contributed. Maurice “Double F” Ffrench also was called up and had his “Nname” called. Tre’ McKitty came to school.
Offensive line C
Pro Bowl Center Corey Linsley was out, so Scott Quessenberry started and had a fast hold. The sack allowed was of the coverage variety.
Defensive line F
Texans can’t run but had no trouble vs. a makeshift defense. All defenders got blocked often and missed dozens of tackles. Rex Burkhead ran like John Riggins. Jerry Tillery had the lone sack vs. a terrible line. Linval Joseph had a horrendous hold.
Linebackers F
Animated pass rusher Joey Bosa? COVID. Out. So MLB Kenneth Murray started on the edge. Drue Tranquill went out hurt. Didn’t matter. Everybody stunk. Amen “Say a Prayer” Ogbongbemiga missed a tackle on Burkhead near the finish that resulted in a long run.
Secondary F
The great Derwin James Jr. (hammy) was activated, but not expected to play (he didn’t), so Alohi “Aloha to Tackling” Gilman started in his place. Michael Davis also was a late scratch. Asante Samuel Jr. had an early, costly PI, then got beat deep. Davontae Harris got whupped
for a late first-half TD.
Special teams A
Dustin Hopkins, their best player, started things with a 50-yard field goal, then one from 46, another from 35. Ffrench and former Torero Michael “Legs” Bandy were back returning kicks. No opportunities to do much.
Coaching FF
(in honor of FFrench) COVID or no COVID, Brandon Staley’s team came totally unprepared — after “a great week of practice.” Certainly one of their worst losses of the millennium and offered great proof that the Tommy/John football brains have done a lousy job creating depth. Houston was beaten up, too, and its reservists kicked butts. Staley’s worst coaching loss.
Next opportunity: (vs. Denver) F
It’s not in Denver, but there is no home for them in SoFi, either. If their COVID issues don’t improve, there will be some Orange Crushing in Inglewood.