Nick Canepa of the Union-Tribune assesses the Chargers after Monday’s 30-23 loss to the Ravens at SoFi Stadium:

Quarterbacks: B

Unlike most games, Justin Herbert started this one with a near-perfect, methodical drive and finished with a short run for the touchdown. At the end of the half he brilliantly led his boys into field goal range. But in the end, Herbert got no help on either side of the ball.

Running Backs: C-

Gus Edwards is back from injury and that means he works well with JK Dobbins and they have looked to establish the run early. Dobbins is more dangerous, but he injured his knee before halftime and didn’t return. If he’s outside, it’s not good.

Receiver: D (for drops)

Quentin Johnston had the drop of the game that would be a big play, and then another later. He stunk. Ladd McConkey appears to be one of the biggest steals of the draft. Jalen Reagor dropped an early first-down pass. Derius Davis has made himself useful. Josh Palmer was more effective than usual.

Offensive line: D

Their protection fell apart late. Zion Johnson was guilty of an early suspension. Trey Pipkins was called for a massive hold that wasn’t.

Defensive line: D

It took a while for the Ravens to realize that Derrick Henry was a great defender, but once the lights came on, they moved him around the field plenty. Teair Tart had a tackle for loss and was more than active. Poona Ford is strong and plays like it.

Linebacker: F+

Tackling machine Denzel Perryman’s bad groin kept him in the nurse’s office, and that wasn’t a good class to skip. Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack might as well have been inactive. When I packed it up, it smelled everywhere.

Secondary level: D-

Promising cornerback Cam Hart was sidelined due to a concussion and ankle problems. His replacement, another rookie, Tarheeb Still, had his moments. Alohi Gilman broke up a pass in the end zone and was later injured on a missed tackle that turned into a TD. Kristian Fulton had two consecutive bad plays that resulted in a TD. Yes Sir Taylor didn’t have his best evening. Derwin James had a sack. Elijah Molden had an end zone knockdown.

Special Teams: A

Cameron Dicker The Kicker hit a 42-yard field goal to put his team up 10-0, and a 52-yarder at halftime to make the score 14-13, and then another 52 -Yarder to make the score 17-16. JK Scott had a great punt inside the 10th.

Coaching: D-

The Harbaugh Bowl, brother against brother. Big brother John passed Jim, who passed 200 yards rushing for the first time in his NFL career.

Next opportunity – at Falcons: B

The NFL team that used to be here can afford a loss, but probably not one here. The Falcons are one of those decent/bad teams. You can’t decide.

Originally published: November 25, 2024 at 8:55 pm PST