The Union-Tribune’s Nick Canepa grades the Chargers following Sunday’s 27-10 win over the Browns:
Quarterbacks: A
Justin Herbert was this close to having his first full complement of receivers since Oregon in the Rose Bowl. He threw for 260 yards in the first half despite getting sacked a half-dozen times. He has to start getting rid of the ball. But Herbert is warming up, and by playing sane, he has been picked off just once this season.
Running backs: B
Nobody could run in the Cleveland broom closet — until J.K. Dobbins ran 16 yards for the team’s third touchdown. A very good back, J.K., and he scored his second TD near the end.
Receivers: C-
A lot of separation problems led to the many sacks. DJ Clark still can’t get well. But returning from the nurse’s office were wideouts Quentin Johnston and Derius Davis and tight end Hayden Hurst. Rookie Ladd McConkey, who will be terrific, opened things with a 15-yard catch. Josh Palmer was all alone on a 26-yard TD grab, as was Johnston on a 66-yard score. Josh then had a big sideline grab.
Offensive line: D
If the linemen want to protect Herbert, they’d better take a creative holding class. They allowed six sacks in the first half alone, but some of it was Herbert hanging in too long. The first two sacks were of the plenty-of-time-to-throw variety. Joe Alt had an obvious, early hold. Run-blocking stunk until the end.
Defensive line: A
The Chargers’ defense had six sacks, and sneaky and sly Morgan Fox had three. This has become a strong front, which is why other teams have trouble scoring.
Linebackers: A
Khalil Mack had a first-quarter sack and a big tackle-for-loss. Daiyan Henley remains a pleasant surprise. Tuli Tuipulotu had an early tackle-for-loss and finished with 2 1/2 sacks. Denzel Perryman tackles people on the street. Troy Dye had a monstrous 4th-down stop. Joey Bosa’s game was limited, but when he’s in, the run defense is notches better.
Secondary: A+
Alohi Gilman had a nice pick near the end of the third quarter. Kristian Fulton has been better than anyone thought. Freshman Cam Hart has been playing crazy well. Derwin James had a pass breakup. Elijah Molden had a nice batdown in the back of the end zone and then picked an end-zone pass after it was tipped by Tarheeb Still. Still then had an offensive backfield batdown and a drive-stopping pick.
Special teams: D
Davis had a nice, early, 55-yard yard punt return to the Browns’ 30 that set up the first TD. Cameron Dicker The Kicker had another missed extra point, then a makeable FG. JK Scott, punting great, had a horrible, 34-yard punt of no consequence. The Browns helped block their own punt.
Coaching: A-
The Browns had six first-half sacks, none in the second. That’s coaching, making adjustments. Jim Harbaugh does something extremely well — wins games.
Next opportunity — vs. Tennessee: B+
This is the first of three straight Chargers home games — if they have home games. Winnable.