Nick Canepa’s Chargers report card

Quarterbacks A

No Miracle on the Strip for Justin Herbert, who quickly found himself yards beneath the sand, down 10-0. But he rallied, got his side into the lead for a moment until his defense raised more flags than the Navy. Threw a desperation pick in the fourth. Everything short, but then a TD throw to Joshua Palmer for TD, a 2pointer to Austin Ekeler, then led the final regulation drive and hit Mike Williams for a score with no time left.

Running backs B

Ekeler dropped a pass, and then caught a deflection for a first down. He then ran like he could, with strength and patience, and scored the first TD, later running in a pass (his 20th TD of the year). Justin Jackson dropped a throw, but was OK as usual when running it.

Receivers F+

Awful. Keenan Allen and Williams each had two catches in the first half. Williams had a monster catch at the end. Allen had the drop of all drops in the third. Jared Cook, off COVID watch, caught a 19yarder on the first scoring drive, then a 42-yarder to open the second half, which resulted in a missed field goal, then a majestic goal-line drop.

Offensive line D+

Terrific rookie LT Rashawn Slater had a rare hold, but it was significant. Storm “Warning” Norton was terrible. Matt Feiler was downfield in OT when it became costly.

Defensive line F

The entire defense went to sleep on a third-and-23 run that led to a crazy TD. Forgot Marcus Mariota can run. No pressure. Beaten down in OT.

Linebackers F

Having the game of his life, Uchenna Nwosu had a batdown, a large sack, and a TFL. Joey Bosa had a strip sack near the end.

Secondary F

Blew coverage on a first-drive long pass and managed to get away with a field goal. And then Chris Harris beat badly for a TD and then had an important PI call on a horrible throw. Michael Davis got lost, then held, then held again. Harris missed an early TFL, and was whistled for an absurd PI on an uncatchable throwaway ball in the end zone, resulting in a Vegas TD, then allowed a TD.

Special teams F

Andre Roberts, who has been very good, finally acted like a punt returner and fumbled one away 8 minutes in on his own 33 and it led to a touchdown. Dustin Hopkins missed a 51-yard FG, then made one to tie it in OT. Ty Long punted better than he has all year.

Coaching F

Brandon Staley’s gambling is one thing, but going for it 4th and 1 from your own 18 down 3 points in the third quarter can’t be excused. Didn’t work. It was stupid. Lucky to get away with a FG. Staley went for it 4th-and-2 from the Vegas 20 earlier and got it — and soon the first touchdown.

Next opportunity: (Combine) A+

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