Nick Canepa’s Report Card: Chargers O-line, receivers, special teams all get Fs

Nick Canepa grades the Chargers following Saturday’s 20-16 loss to the Houston Texans at SoFi Stadium:

Quarterbacks: B

Going in, Justin Herbert historically had more trouble with Houston (four TDs vs. six picks) than any team he’s played. He was sacked on his first pass attempt and again on the next series. He soon was in a 14-0 hole. Fumbled twice, recovered both. Sacked five times. Had a big, 28-yard run to set up a TD pass. But he can’t protect himself.

Running backs: C

Ace backup/starter Kimani Vidal was in the nurse’s office in a neck brace. Rookie Omarion Hampton had a block and catch on the same play. He can run, but had no space — until he got the 5-yard TD late.

Receivers: F+

Multi-talented rookie Tre Harris caught the first pass and ran a nice reverse. Keenan Allen unexpectedly dropped a huge third-down pass, and caught his first and only one 39 minutes in. Quentin Johnston finally caught one and then a massive 60-yarder — before rookie  Orande Gadsden muffed a pass at the goal line that was picked, then had a big-time drop, then a TD catch. Ladd McConkey caught his first pass 51 minutes in.

Offensive line: F-

This marked the team’s 27th starting O-line combination, with Bobby Hart moving to left tackle for Jaramee Salyer (who had been OK), and Trey “Oops” Pipkins back at right. Hart gave up a sack right away. A horrible unit.

Defensive line: C

The defense came to life — too late. Still, no sacks. Teair Tart and Da’Shawn Hand were evident early. Tart tipped a pass, then another one. Hand lined up offside. Unforgivable.

Linebackers: C

Odafe Oweh finally got some pressure. Khalil Mack offered pressure. But there wasn’t much of it. Mack had a nice TFL. There was more after they realized they needed to blitz, but no devastation. Mack also stopped a first down with a forced fumble. Daiyan Henley got completely screwed on an enormous roughing call.

Secondary: D-

Donte Jackson has had a fine year at corner, but got lost and drilled by Jayden Higgins on a 75-yarder a few minutes into it. Then Elijah Molden got beat on a long one shortly thereafter, but made up for it with a pick just before the half.  Derwin James Jr. had a huge pick off a Hand tip, leading to a field goal. Tony Jefferson had a TFL. Refs called Tarheeb Still for an awful, brutal illegal contact penalty at the end. Pathetic. Can’t throw that flag.

Special teams: F-

Cameron Dicker The Kicker opened their scoring with a 27-yard field goal, then the all-time most accurate kicker missed a 32-yarder and later a PAT. Those four points would have tied the game. JK Scott’s punting stunk — really stunk.

Coaching: D

Jim Harbaugh and his staff did a nice job of adjusting their defense after two unlike-them long touchdown giveaways. But they can’t do anything about one of the worst O-lines in history,

Next Opportunity — at Denver: F

The game is at Mile High, the toughest place to win. How can this O-line block the sack leaders?