Want to jump into Monday’s 27-6 win over New York? L-E-T-S, le’ts, let’s, let’s!
Quarterback: C+
Justin Herbert completed just 16 of 30 pass attempts for 136 yards. A week after throwing for three touchdowns, he was held without a score. His quarterback rating of 65.4 is Herbert’s lowest since last Dec. 26 and nearly half of what it was (122.7) in last week’s win over the Bears.
Running backs: C+
Chargers backs rushed just 20 times for 84 yards. Austin Ekeler led the way, rushing 14 times for 47 yards while scoring touchdowns from 1 and 2 yards. He also caught two passes for 23 yards, though he dropped three balls.
Receivers: C
Keenan Allen’s twisting, one-handed grab on third-and-long early in the fourth quarter kept a Chargers drive alive and moved him closer to a club record. Allen has surpassed 10,000 career receiving yards; in Chargers history, only Antonio Gates has more. Allen finished with eight catches for 77 yards; no other Bolts receiver had more than two grabs.
Offensive line: C
Bolts’ big boys allowed the Jets defense to sack Herbert five times; New York defenders hit Herbert 13 times, far too many for a team that must keep its QB upright to have a chance.
Defensive line: B-
Trailing for nearly the entire game, the Jets opted to throw — a lot. Their 49 pass attempts compared to just 20 runs put the pressure on the Chargers’ linebackers and secondary. Fortunately for the Bolts, the back end of the defense showed up.
Linebackers: A
Who had a better night than Khalil Mack, who trucked Jets QB Zach Wilson, leading to a fourth-quarter fumble and a Chargers score on the way to a five-tackle, two-sack night? It’s Joey Bosa, who had six tackles, 2 1/2 sacks and forced and recovered a fumble. Tuli Tuipulotu added a fourth-quarter sack of Wilson.
Secondary: B+
Alohi Gilman forced a Garrett Wilson fumble and Derwin James recovered it, part of a dominant first half; Gilman returned Mack’s fourth-quarter forced fumble 48 yards, setting up a 2-yard Ekeler TD that put the game away. Derwin James led the Chargers with 10 tackles.
Special teams: A
Derius Davis’ 87-yard punt return barely 2 minutes into the game set the tone for a Chargers rout. Cameron Dicker the Kicker connected on field goals from 55 and 38 yards. JK Scott punted eight times for 364 yards, an average of 45.5 yards per boot.
Coaching: C+
Has Brandon Staley fixed a sputtering defense? Hard to say, considering the crummy competition. But since allowing 31 points to the Chiefs two weeks ago, the Chargers have given up just 19 points in wins over the Bears and Jets while winning the turnover battle, 5-1. Sure, the Chargers are better, but are they improved? We’ll know more next week.
Next opportunity — vs. Detroit, Sunday: C+
Dan Campbell’s kneecap-attacking Lions are a tough out under the best circumstances. On a short week? Look out.
