The Union-Tribune’s Nick Canepa grades the Chargers following Sunday’s 26-8 win over the Saints:

Quarterbacks: A-

Justin Herbert opened by throwing three straight inconsequential passes, which isn’t how the Chargers operate. He had an early 38-yard run, the longest of his career. Heck, he led the team in rushing. After throwing for 300-plus yards last week, Herbert didn’t do a lot early, but warmed up with his inexperienced receiving corps and he refused to lose this game.

Running backs: C

JK Dobbins scored prior to the half, the team’s first TD in nearly eight quarters, and had a terrific run late in the third. More places to hide than run.

Receivers: B-

Ladd McConkey had a brilliant catch and run for a 60-yard TD, and then another terrific short one at the end. He will be a really good player. But an injured receiver in this school is injured forever. Wideouts Quentin Johnston and Derius Davis (whos also a return man) and tight Hayden Hurst again spent the day in the nurse’s office. Healthy Joshua Palmer caught a few long ones. Tight end Eric Tomlinson can’t catch.

Offensive line: D

It flat stunk pass blocking late. Credit center Bradley Bozeman for vigorously coming to his quarterback’s aid. Allowed far too much late pressure.

Defensive line: B

Alvin Kamara ran 23 yards on the Saints first play. Teair Tart batted down a pass that could have been important (in that the Saints throw very few). Nose tackle/fullback/attorney Scott Matlock had a huge sack. Six sacks for the D.

Linebackers: B

Joey “Ailing” Bosa finally returned and played in spots, without doing anything, then got hurt. Khalil Mack had a gift sack, but that’s OK. He doesn’t take time off. Tuli Tuipulotu, Bosa’s sub, had a sack and drive-ending batdown. Bud Dupree came up with a stupid roughing penalty at the buzzer.

Secondary: D

Elijah Molden had what should have been a pick that was called incorrectly by everyone, including New York. Far too many guys were out of it in coverage while playing against the Saints’ second-and-third team QBs.

Special teams: D

Worst day in a while. Long snapper Josh Harris launched a ball that punter JK Scott couldn’t have caught if he were Jerry Rice, leading to a safety. Reliable Cameron Dicker The Kicker had a 26-yard field goal, missed the heck out of a PAT, and then a FG one to make it a two-score game. Scott had a terrific punting day.

Coaching: C

Jim Harbaugh has had the puzzle pieces on the table for months now but still can’t paint a lucid picture of what he has offensively, where there is little danger. Question is can he find those pieces? With what he has, it’s looking more and more doubtful. He has the D.

Next Opportunity — at Cleveland: C

The Browns aren’t much, but they have a talented defense, and they just beat the Ravens. The visiting team’s only score may be a comped Saturday night meal in The Flats.