The Union-Tribune’s Nick Canepa grades the Chargers following Monday’s 30-23 loss to the Ravens at SoFi Stadium:

Quarterbacks: B

Unlike most games, Justin Herbert began this one with a near-perfect, methodical drive for a TD he finished with a short run. He brilliantly led his guys into field goal range at the end of the half. But in the end, Herbert didn’t get any help on either side of the ball.

Running backs: C-

Gus Edwards is back from injury and that means he pairs up nicely with J.K. Dobbins, and they tried to establish the run early. Dobbins is more dangerous, but he damaged his knee before halftime and did not return. If he’s out, it’s not good.

Receivers: D (for drops)

Quentin Johnston had the drop of the game that was going to be a big play, then another later. He stunk. Ladd McConkey is looking like one of the biggest steals of the draft. Jalen Reagor dropped an early first-down pass. Derius Davis made himself useful. Josh Palmer was more effective than usual.

Offensive line: D

Their protection fell apart late. Zion Johnson was guilty of an untimely early hold. Trey Pipkins was called for a massive hold that wasn’t one.

Defensive line: D

It took a while for the Ravens to realize Derrick Henry is a great back, but they moved it plenty on the turf when the light came on. Teair Tart had a tackle for loss and was more than active. Poona Ford is stout and plays that way.

Linebackers: F+

Tackling machine Denzel Perryman’s bad groin kept him in the nurse’s office, and this was not a good class for him to skip. Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack might as well have been inactive. Tackling stunk everywhere.

Secondary: D-

Promising corner Cam Hart sat it out with concussion and ankle issues. His replacement, another rookie, Tarheeb Still, had his moments. Alohi Gilman broke up an end zone pass, and got hurt later on a missed tackle that became a TD. Kristian Fulton had back-to-back bad plays, leading to a TD. Ja’Sir Taylor did not have his best night. Derwin James had a sack. Elijah Molden had an end zone knockdown.

Special teams: A

Cameron Dicker The Kicker made a 42-yard field goal to put his side up 10-0, and a 52-yarder at the break to make it 14-13, then another 52-yarder to make it 17-16. JK Scott had a great punt inside the 10.

Coaching: D-

The Harbaugh Bowl, brother vs. brother. Big brother John outcoached Jim, who gave up 200 yards rushing for the first time in his NFL career.

Next opportunity — at Falcons: B

The NFL Team That Used To Be Here can afford a loss, but probably not one here. The Falcons are one of those decent/bad teams. Can’t make up their minds.

Originally Published: November 25, 2024 at 8:55 PM PST