The Union-Tribune’s Nick Canepa grades the Chargers following Sunday’s 36-34 loss to the Dolphins at SoFi Stadium:
Quarterbacks: D
It didn’t take Justin Herbert long to find Keenan Allen with a nice 36-yarder that soon led to an Austin Ekeler rushing touchdown. But this shouldn’t have been his game to win, not they ran it (234 yards). Hard to lose at home with that number and no turnovers. But he did not play up to his standards when it mattered.
Running backs: A
Ekeler as usual was Austin Ekeler, running smart, finding holes, catching it — and most important, the end zone. His 55-yarder through a hole the entire Spanos family could get through set up a one-yard to Donald Parham Jr., the Wilt Chamberlain of tight ends.
Receivers: C
Had trouble separating at first, but it didn’t take long for Allen to get deep (rarely seen last year). Mike Williams took a second-quarter hat to the hat and went into concussion — and returned after the break and caught a huge 22-yarder
Offensive line: F
It was an “A” before the last series, when Herbert was sacked twice (which hadn’t occurred all day). The line blocked for the run better than any of their O lines in memory. But teacher re the end. That’s why we have finals.
Defensive line: D-
To say Brandon “Genius” Staley’s defense, so good vs. Miami last year, stunk would be calling it Chanel No. 5. Pathetic. Allowed 536 total yards. The highlight easily was Nick Williams’ fumble recovery when it appeared a Fish TD was in order. There was no disruption and zero rush, allowing fragile Tua to find a barrel, and shooting fish in it.
Linebackers: F
Joey Bosa began his new career jumping offside on the first play and then had a lovely facemask penalty. Did nothing. Tiffany Tua was given far too much time to throw.
Secondary: LIS (Lost In Space)
Beaten like an old Persian rug by receiver speed, got lucky when Dolphins fumbled it away at the 6. Tyreek Hill couldn’t be covered by satellite. Fortunately safety Derwin James was back being himself, but he couldn’t do enough. Michael Davis made plays, as in more than one. J.C. Jackson was guilty of an all-time bonehead PI on a halftime Hail Mary that eventually produced a field goal that became the difference in the game.
Special teams: Incomplete
Other team only punted once. Cameron Dicker The Kicker nailed a career-long 50-yard field goal to tie it 17-17 at the break, and a shorter one, and kicked off deep.
Coaching: F-
Staley’s defensive plan: “Don’t stop anybody. Don’t get after Tua. Don’t double-cover Hill so we can lose a winnable home game.” Absolutely amateurish. If there were adjustments, they stunk.He had a bad challenge. Great defensive coaches find a way to at least do something. He found nothing. Miami will not do this again.
Next opportunity — at Tennessee _ A.
The Titans are not going to score enough points to beat this team — unless Staley turns Ryan Tannahill into Tua.
