Nick Canepa’s Chargers report card

Quarterbacks F

On a day when his team’s defensive slip was showing, Justin Herbert had to dress up and stand up. He did not. He quickly found himself in a 17-0 hole vs. a defense 29th in the league in yards allowed, but didn’t bring a shovel. He was terribly inaccurate, and throwing it straight is what he does. By far his worst day as a pro. SIX points?

Running backs INC

Austin Ekeler is excellent, but it’s tough enough for him normally, let alone when his team gets behind and the run game is abandoned. Really of no use.

Receivers F

There were zero degrees of separation. Mike Williams stopped on a long route that had TD possibilities, dropped an early pass, then had a catch at the 1 before sitting out fourth quarter. Jared Cook was outwrestled for a pick, then caught a short TD throw, then had a major drop when Herbert actually threw one straight.

Offensive line F

Starters on the right side are out, so it was up to Michael Schofield (guard) and Storm “Warning” Norton (tackle) in the front row. Justin Houston stormed around Storm for a sack.

Defensive line F

Got their sterns blocked into Baltimore Harbor. Last in the League in stopping the run, allowed a 12-play, 90-yard drive — 62 of it on the ground (vs. backup backs) — for openers. Linval Joseph had a sack. Jerry Tillery had a few moments, momentarily.

Linebackers F

Missed Drue Tranquill and Kenneth Murray in the middle, but probably wouldn’t have mattered. Also missed tackles. Replacement Amen Ogbongbemiga got hurt, probably not trying to make a tackle. Kyzir White came back with a pick of his own after Herbert’s, whiffed on a tackle, and had another pick when all was lost.

Secondary F

Derwin James forced a fumble (which of course they didn’t recover), and got beaten like an old rug for a TD. This wasn’t The League’s finest receiving corps, but they were open when the Ravens got tired of running.

Special teams D

Their special teams rank 31st in a League of 32, so firing and hiring coaches doesn’t matter. Tristan Vizcaino missed his NFL-leading fifth PAT (only the school district board knows why he remains employed).

Coaching F

Brandon Staley went for it on fourth-and-3 and fourth-and-1 (from his own 18), admirable, but Herbert missed both tries. First time he’s been outcoached. Bad offensive and defensive plans, players flat, not helped by his quarterback leaving his accuracy back on the Costa Mesa Lima Bean Farm. Has to get a kicker.

Next opportunity (Bye) A+

They need a rest. So does teacher.