Nick Canepa grades the Chargers following Sunday’s 40-17 loss to Tampa Bay at SoFi Stadium:

Quarterbacks: D-

Playing with his left leg taped like Boris Karloff in 1932, Justin Herbert wasn’t as mobile as normal, but good enough to scramble and throw his first TD pass to Ladd McConkey. In desperation, Herbert threw his first pick since Game 2. After the first quarter, nothing. Bad loss.

Running backs: Incomplete

Not even a participation trophy. J.K. Dobbins remains on IR, so it’s up to vet Gus Edwards and rookie Kimani Vidal. But 32 yards rushing? …

Receivers: C

After missing last week with a knee and shoulder, rookie McConkey immediately caught two passes on the first drive, and then the third for a TD. Quentin Johnston actually caught his first pass and showed amazing athletic ability on a short catch-and-run TD (and later hurt his leg). Stone Smartt has become the go-to tight end.

Offensive line: F

Left guard Zion Johnson went down late in the third quarter and needed help walking off. It was their worst effort of the year.

Defensive line: D-

Baker Mayfield can throw it straight and he had far too much time  — until linebacker Troy Dye got a sack on a blitz late in the second quarter. After hitting Patrick Mahomes 11 times the week before, rush was minimal. Poona Ford had an early solo and then a TFL. Teair Tart had an enormous (questionable) roughing penalty.

Linebackers: F

Four-man “rush” most of the way. Joey “The Grim Leaper” Bosa had his usual offside jump near the goal line, but then stripped a fumble to Elijah Molden. Daiyan Henley batted down a pass. Everybody in Inglewood blew the big Bucky Irving run. Allowed 200-plus rushing yards.

Secondary: F

Bargain rookie Tarheeb Still intercepted his fourth pass of the year, setting up the Johnston TD, and later whiffed on a Mike Evans catch for a TD run that put Tampa up for good. Ja’Sir Taylor was Ja’Lost on the Bucs’ simple touchdown throw four minutes into the game. Kristian Fulton slipped on a big catch but made a great tackle stopping a scoring run that became a FG, and then another, before getting beat for a long score. Elijah Molden played aggressively and recovered a fumble. Cam Hart, who can play, suffered a first-half concussion.

Special teams: B

Cameron Dicker The Kicker tied it at 10 with a 41-yard field goal. Dean Leonard had a penalty.

Coaching: F

Jim Harbaugh has injury problems (even he limps), but there’s no excuse for this embarrassment. Losing is one thing, getting your butt kicked into San Pedro by Tampa is another. A Harbaugh team runs, and this one can’t. Couldn’t find a way to get to Mayfield, or protect Herbert. Got outscored 23-0 after halftime. Team lacked his swagger.

Next opportunity — vs. Broncos: F

Another Thursday night game, so it’s another short week, with a few days to heal. The guys already won in Denver, but the Broncos have been much better since. This is the one Fredo Inc. must win.

Originally Published: December 15, 2024 at 5:19 PM PST