The Union-Tribune’s Nick Canepa grades the Chargers following Sunday’s 20-10 loss to the Steelers:
Quarterbacks: C
Justin Herbert’s news-making high ankle sprain made his availability a gametime decision. He started, a gamble vs. a powerful defensive front and in a hard place. He was fine, completing his first 11 es — until he left the game limping in the third quarter and didn’t return. He was replaced by newcomer/vet Taylor “Can’t Win” Heinicke.
Running backs: C-
J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards are good, but they weren’t in Pittsburgh. Yards were tough — especially after the break, when nobody on offense did anything.
Receivers: C
Nothing much. Quentin Johnson had a bad 2023 as No. 1s go, but he’s making up for it. He’s a threat. Rookie Ladd McConkey is going to catch a thousand es. Simi Fehoko had a nice catch and then missed a great chance on a halftime Hail Mary beautifully thrown by Herbert.
Offensive line: F
Not nearly as good as it has been. The O-line had problems with the Steelers’ rush. Joe Alt had a hold that nullified an early first down, but to his credit, he had his hands full, with TJ Watt on the other side. Watt beat him for a sack in the fourth, and the rookie left limping. Rashawn Slater got beat for a sack — that meant something — and later came out injured, replaced by guard Trey Pipkins, who held to form and allowed a sack. They need those tackles, man.
Defensive line: D
The Steelers had 14 rushing yards at the half, so somebody was doing something right early. Everything went south after Herbert’s exit. Tackling at the end by all? Pathetic.
Linebackers: D
Khalil Mack had an early sack, with Joey Bosa (groin) out. He didn’t return, a blow. Denzel Perryman continues as a tackling machine. Daiyan Henley has skills few people knew about. Tuli Tuipulotu had a tackle for loss. Buzz Dupree had a massive pick off a tipped to halt what appeared to be a scoring drive. Mack had a dumb roughing penalty.
Secondary: D+
Derwin James’ tackling in the open field was a thing of beauty, but he did have a facemask, then a big TFL, then had a big personal foul, then had a big sack. Asante Samuel had an enormous missed tackle that would have forced a field goal try. He then had a big defense and then a horrible PI, nullifying a sack.
Special teams: A-
Cameron Dicker The Kicker had a 28-yard field goal to put his side up 10-7. JK Scott has become an outstanding distance and placement punter.
Coaching: C
Jim Harbaugh was playing with a short deck and it showed. The plan was good, for a while, but then went to the ER with seemingly half the team.
Next opportunity — Kansas City: F-
The Chargers traditionally play the Chiefs tough, but haven’t beaten them since 2021 (when they last met, K.C. won 13-12). If they can’t get people healthy, they have no chance.
