Quarterbacks: D
Once again, Justin Herbert ran the ball effectively (had a 35-yarder in the fourth). Justin started out fine until he was stopped on a brutal non-call. Three points at halftime, 10 overall, on a night when his defense actually played well enough to win. Got better when they sped things up. The vertical game is gone. Another 3-point loss. Stupid season.
Running backs: D
With their offensive skill depleted, why Austin Ekeler sits so much — especially on important downs — was a mystery worthy of Christie and Doyle. Now we know. He’s become a fumbler.
Receivers: C
Tight end Gerald Everett welcomed himself back with a 31-yard catch to open things, then muscled in a short pass for a TD. Jalen Guyton also returned — to a whole lot of double coverage. Keenan Allen had a crucial, monster fumble after his defense had held, leading to a field goal. Keenan rebounded (14 catches) and also threw the best pass of the night to Ekeler, a trick. Injuries to Mike Williams and Joshua Palmer have taken the top off Herbert’s package. Nothing downfield Quentin Johnston appeared in the third quarter, then got hurt on what should have been a PI. Alex “Who?” Erickson had a huge catch.
Offensive line: C
Protection was decent. Jamaree Salyer got a huge personal foul, protecting his QB when refs blew an obvious out-of-bounds call against Herbert. Three points became seven. Trey Pipkins allowed a crucial strip sack.
Defensive line: C+
Morgan Fox, now a stalwart, had a nice early pressure. But there wasn’t enough pressure, and when it occurred, Lamar Jackson used his escapability. Nick Williams and Sebastian Joseph-Day had their hands in there.
Linebackers: B
Khalil Mack, missing bookend Joey Bosa, had an early tackle-for-loss, and then two big sacks before the half. He’s having an All-Pro season.
Secondary: B-
Probably the worst unit in football, but it played well enough to win. Deane Leonard, new to starting but not to getting beat, lost Zay Flowers in the end zone. Somehow, the scheme has turned Derwin James, a great talent, into just a guy. LB Kenneth Murray (and safety Alohi Gilman) made a great fourth-and-1 stop on Jackson.
Special teams: A
Cameron Dicker The Kicker nailed a first-drive field goal he shouldn’t have had to try. Punter JK Scott continues to get on his teacher’s good side.
Coaching: D
Brandon Staley’s first play of the game had 12 defenders on the field, costing a timeout. But his defense, although loose, held up and made plays. Gambler didn’t go for it fourth-and-1, when he should have, and then made one, when he should have. OC Kellen Moore, the latest genius, coached scared, as if he were playing the ‘75 Steelers.
Next Opportunity — at New England: C
This actually will be a morning game, so you can watch it surreptitiously on an app in church. The Patriots stink, but if it comes down to a coaching match, Staley better have his sling with him.
