Nick Canepa’s report card: Chargers QB, receivers make the grade in late win over Bengals (original) (raw)
The Union-Tribune’s Nick Canepa grades the Chargers following Sunday’s 34-27 win against the Bengals at SoFi Stadium:
Quarterbacks: A-
Justin Herbert’s starting to run like Steve Young — a weapon. He was throwing darts. Threw a 26-yard TD to Quintin Johnston. Herbert was throwing stuff you just don’t see. But his second half was below par — they blew a 21-point lead Got greedy on fourth down run, fumbled it away, and Cincy capitalized.
Running backs: A
J.K. Dobbins didn’t play much in the first half, came in late and jumped over the pile for a short score. It was he who had a terrific 29-yard run for the clinching score.
Receivers: B-
Quentin Johnston, starting to live up to his No. 1 credentials, had a 26-yard TD catch. Ladd McConkey hurt his shoulder on an early 21-yard catch, but returned, and caught a large third-down pass, then two great long ones in the final minute. Will Dissly got open just before the end zone and Herbert didn’t miss him.
Offensive line: C+
Herbert was sacked twice, the second one of coverage variety. Rashawn Slater had a momentous, rare, hold.
Defensive line: B
Poona Ford had an important sack. They moved people around. Teair Tart had a nice tackle near the goal line followed by an Alohi Gilman TFL. Otito Ogbonnia’s roughing nullified an interception.
Linebackers: B
Khalil Mack, playing well of late, was inactive, in the nurse’s office with a bad groin. Not good timing. what with Cincy missing its starting left tackle. Denzel Perryman will be tackling into his dotage. Joey Bosa was feisty, and his harassment of Joe Burrow forced a field goal instead of 7 . Daiyan Henley may be having a Pro Bowl season. Tuli Tuipulotu was huge, with a sack and half-sack and TFL. Joey Bosa missed a sure sack.
Secondary: C
Some brutal missed tackles. Derwin James missed a big sack. Cam Hart is a corner unafraid to mix it up. Had a nice early, third-down defense, then another in the end zone before being caught holding in the end zone. Beaten on a close TD pass. Derwin James had a significant horse collar offense, and a half-sack a bit later. Kristian Fulton had a PI. Kristian Fulton had an end zone cover. Elijah Molden and Ja’Sir Taylor were badly beaten on a long TD throw. Taylor did it again on his own.
Special teams: B
Derius Davis had a few nice returns, which is rare. Nick Neimann is a very good cover guy. Cameron Dicker The Kicker made one field goal, then a 52-yarder. JK Scott had an awful punt to midfield that sparked Cincy’s comeback.
Coaching: B
Jim Harbaugh wins games. He almost blew this one. But his presence is felt.
Next opportunity — vs. Ravens: B
This will be their third “home” game in a row, on Monday night, featuring the Brothers Harbaugh. Depending on the week, the Ravens are capable of having their feathers ruffled.
Originally Published: November 17, 2024 at 9:03 PM PST