Nick Canepa’s report card: Coach, QB earn A’s in shorthanded Chargers’ win over Miami

Nick Canepa grades the Chargers following Sunday’s 29-27 win over the Dolphins in Miami:

Quarterbacks: A+

It certainly appeared as though Justin Herbert wasn’t going to have much of a chance with his top running back and receiver and four offensive linemen missing class. But he put his team on his shoulders and willed a win, sacked but once and somehow avoided a sack and getting the ball to Ladd McConkey to find field position for a field goal. A statement game for Justin.

Running backs: A

Kimani Vidal started, ran well, ran all over the place. He had a 38-yard run and also caught a short pass for a score. He gets a star.

Receivers: A-

Top wideout Quentin Johnston was a surprise scratch with a hammy. Tight end Orande Gadsden had a very unfortunate early fumble, resulting in a long touchdown run. But he also made important catches. McConkey, who’s been in a sophomore semi-slump, came alive with big catches, including a short one that gave his side the lead in the third, and the biggest of the year, a 42-yarder to put his team in position for the winning field goal.

Offensive line: A+

Joe Alt, Jamaree Salyer and Trey Pipkins all were in sick bay, so with Rashawn Slater already lost for the year, all the line was missing was a fife and drum. The Six Blocks of Tofu is what was left. Bobby “You Gotta Have” Hart started at right tackle, his first start in four years, and had a motion penalty in the red zone, then another. Austin “Who?” Deculus had one, too. But what they did worked.

Defensive line: C

Everyone got lost on De’Von Achane’s long TD run. Awful. Otito Ogbonnia had some pressure moments, as did Jamaree Caldwell. Teair Tart had a rather dumb roughing-the-passer penalty.

Linebackers: C

The trade for Odafe Oweh looked inspired when he racked up a first-quarter sack and had a big QB hit before half. Daiyan Henley and Troy Dye continue to play well. Tuli Tuipulotu had a monster sack, his fifth of the year.

Secondary: C

Healthy centenarian Tony Jefferson picked the first pass. Cam Hart is becoming a good corner. Donte Jackson had a tackle-for-loss. Benjamin St-Juste had a huge pick. Derwin James had two missed tackles, one going for a pick, and had a late INT.

Special teams: A

Top return man Derius Davis missed class again with a knee. The Dolphins returned the opening kickoff 48 yards. A Miami personal foul forced Jim Harbaugh to pull a 58-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker The Kicker off the board. Dicker ended up kicking five field goals anyway.

Coaching: A+

How Harbaugh pulled this one out is beyond teacher’s comprehension. Miami isn’t good, but realistically, he had no business winning this game.

Next opportunity — vs. Indianapolis: D

The Colts are pretty good. This one may end up looking like the game in “M*A*S*H.”