Union-Tribune columnist Nick Canepa grades the Chargers after their 27-20 loss Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders on the road.
Quarterbacks
A-
Justin Herbert was hit on his first attempt, fumbled, and recovered. Omen. He was sacked four times, hit seven more before the break, and was continuously pressured, the back of his jersey Oregon/Nike green. He was rushing it. Nice try for a comeback failed. Playoffs left in Pahrump.
Running backs
INC
If you know where Jimmy Hoffa lies, that’s where you’ll find the run game Doesn’t exist. Dependable Austin Ekeler caught a and fumbled it away, leading to a go-ahead TD.
Receivers
B
Mike Williams (ankle) remains out. Keenan Allen’s first and second catches/catches came inside 2:00 of the first half. He later caught a brilliant 4th-and-12 TD from Herbert to get within 7. Joshua Palmer continues to do reliable things, as does tight end Gerald Everett. No time to go deep.
Offensive line
F
Without center Corey Linsley and with backups up front, the big guys rolled craps against a defense used to losing. Even had trouble blocking Jerry Tillery, who always gets blocked. Rookie LT Jamaree Salyer, after allowing nothing for weeks, has been figured out. RT Trey Pipkins found that Maxx Crosby isn’t Bing.
Defensive line
F
The defense played well for the first 22 minutes, then it ed what it was after taking a 10-0 lead. The D line is eyeglass-thin, and the front seven couldn’t get to Derek Carr with the Las Vegas Monorail. Morgan “The Dog Breeder” Fox made nice plays vs. the run. Tackling? Awful. Best DL Sebastian Joseph-Day went out late with a knee.
Linebackers
F
Kenneth Murray is getting better, forcing and recovering an early Josh Jacobs fumble on the Raiders’ 25. Drue Tranquill rode Josh Jacobs like Laffit Pincay Jr.. No sacks, no TFL.
Secondary
D-
Bryce Callahan had a pick six off an Asante Samuel tip 10 minutes in, later getting lost like a bad gambler on a scoring flea-flicker. Nasir Adderly made a nice play on a long throw. Single-covering (of course) Davante Adams, Samuel gave up a TD. Derwin James, a great player, and Kahil Mack, who once was, disappeared into The Mirage.
Special teams
C
Brandon Staley ordered a fake punt on the first series and Kelley converted. Perfectly conceived, although it led to nothing. Cameron Dicker The Kicker made 37- and 34-yard field goals, missed a 52-yarder.
Coaching
F
Staley again refuses to double the better receivers (in this case Adams), which makes no sense. Staley also went for it 4th and 2 at the Vegas 17, and failed. Whoever’s deg his protection schemes is, as Johnny Carson would say, Brandon was a lookout at Pearl Harbor. If Herbert goes down, he could be riding Justin’s shirttails into the unemployment line.
Next opportunity: Dolphins
F
Moved to Sunday night, so prayers will be over by then. These defenders are going to feel like Sumo wrestlers chasing a U.S. men’s relay team. If they give Tua much time to throw — and they won’t — it will be over by dinner time.
