Nick Canepa’s Chargers report card: Receivers, defense, coach all earn A’s in Bolts’ win over Raiders

Nick Canepa grades the Chargers following Monday night’s 20-9 win over the Raiders in Las Vegas: 

Quarterbacks: B+

Justin Herbert had one of his slowest starts. With the run being taken out of the playbook, he was feeling his way around. But by the end of the first quarter, he was throwing it straight and using his legs as he did in Brazil. Found Quintin Johnson for a 60-yard TD near the first half’s end. Went no-huddle after the break.

Running backs: C+

For a while, it appeared they might go all night without a back carrying the ball. Omarion Hampton finally got a carry 10 minutes into the game. He can run but has to run more. The fourth-quarter fumble may not have been his fault.

Receivers: A

Keenan Allen caught the first touchdown and he’s as reliable as ever. Ladd McConkey can flat play the game. Johnson got in the game with that 60-yarder. KeAndre Lambert-Smith lined up offside when they got close. Tre’ Harris had a nice catch.

Offensive line: B

Trey Pipkins III had a bad jump early, but basically held his own vs. Maxx Crosby, who never stops. The run blocking wasn’t great, but it didn’t really have to be.

Defensive line: A

Huge rookie Jamaree Caldwell had a large sack. Naquan Jones had an important tackle-for-loss, stopping a drive, and a knockdown. They are huge in the middle and tough to move around.

Linebackers: A

Daiyan Henley, now officially a fine player, came off his sick bed and picked the first pass/play of the game after it was tipped by Alohi Gilman, leading to the opening three-pointer (he had a late sack). Tuli Tuipulotu batted down a pass. Khalil Mack, who has terrorized the Raiders, had a sack and then hurt his left elbow at the end of the first quarter. He went to the locker room and came back with his arm in a sling.

Secondary: A

Derwin James played safety, corner, linebacker, lineman — everywhere but Pahrump. Made a brilliant play in the end zone near the finish, which created a nice pick for Donte Jackson. Gilman got run over on a run and then got beat on a 20-yard pass, then broke up a pass in the end zone. Cam Hart had a critical pass interference call early. Ageless San Diegan Tony Jefferson came off the practice squad to bat down a pass in the end zone and then had a pick in the end zone. Tarheeb Still did many things well. The corners are good.

Special teams: A

Cameron Dicker The Kicker nailed his first try, making him the most accurate kicker in history, then a chipper. His kickoffs are terrific. JK Scott punted extremely well.

Coaching: A-

Going against his own grain, Jim Harbaugh chose air travel vs. the Raiders. Terrible call on the botched fourth-and-1 jet sweep to Derius Davis. Totally unnecessary. But Jim has created a huge, physical, hard-to-play football team.

Next opportunity — vs. Denver: B

This will be the Chargers’ third straight AFC West game to start the season, and it’s an incredibly competitive division. They’ll play at SoFi; this is a different story altogether if this is in Mile High.