The Union-Tribune’s Nick Canepa grades the Chargers following Sunday’s 30-13 win over the Bears
Quarterbacks: A
This was the real Justin Herbert, not the imposter that the teacher saw the past three weeks. Herbert, despite the splint on his left middle finger, completed his first 15 passes, two for TDs — then another to Donald Parham to make it 24-7 at the half. Exceptional.
Running backs: A
Austin Ekeler, actually being used, opened scoring, taking a Herbert screen 41 yards for a TD, and then had a 23-yard run and catch prior to the break to set up a score. When Austin, who’s had a bum ankle, shouldn’t have been in the game — late — he fumbled it away.
Receivers : A
At last, No. 1 pick Quentin Johnston was front and center, and he’s a physical specimen who did some good things. Tight end Gerald Everett sat this one out. Emerging wideout Josh Palmer went down with a knee injury, then returned. Six-foot-eight TE Donald Parham had the longest stiff-arm in NFL history, and caught the TD just prior to halftime. He’s become a target. Simi Fehoko’s first career reception was for a score.
Offensive line : A
One of their best all-around efforts in a while, and the best this season. Zion Johnson was 30 yards down field throwing blocks. Herbert was not sacked.
Defensive line : B
The Bears like to run the ball and didn’t have an easy time of it.
Linebackers : B
Joey Bosa had a big sack one play after Khalil Mack had an early TFL, to stop a drive. Bosa also had a big 4th-and-1 stop. Eric Kendricks, as expected, couldn’t cover DJ Moore. But he can tackle.
Secondary : B
There weren’t many occasions when Bears wideouts had the kind of separation that mattered. Asante Samuel allowed a 41-yard completion on the game’s first play, and got away with it. Ja’Sir “Yes, Sir” Taylor had a second-quarter pick to halt a drive. Derwin James, who hasn’t been used right, had a fourth-quarter pick off an Alohi “Goodbye” Gilman tip.
Special teams : A-
Derius Davis had a fair catch on his own 8, a no-no few of his brethren heed. Cameron Dicker The Kicker, who could be their best since John Carney, nailed a 44-yarder, and then one from 53 in the third, and then a 46-yarder to make it 30-7. JK Scott didn’t punt until 6 minutes remained in the third.
Coaching : B
Brandon Staley likes to go for it fourth-and-short, but doing so when up 30-7 on his own 35 would have been idiotic even if he made it, and he didn’t. It’s become an impossibility for Staley to order OC Kellen Moore to run the ball twice in a row under normal conditions.
Next opportunity — at Jets: B
Another night game, this one on Monday, for a team that spends so much time in the dark that evenings should be an advantage. They should outscore New York.
