Nick Canepa’s report card: San Diegan’s INT helps Chargers overcome uneven performance vs. Eagles

by Nick Canepa

Nick Canepa grades the Chargers following Monday’s 22-19 overtime win over the Eagles at SoFi Stadium:

Quarterbacks: A-

With his surgically repaired left hand heavily bandaged and braced, it figured Justin Herbert wasn’t going to do much work behind center at Turnover Stadium. But that didn’t happen. He worked there early and led his side to a first-series touchdown. He played without fear, but fumbled it away in the second quarter when in position to score and threw a pick when his arm was hit. Fumbled on a scramble but he was saved by a recovery. He was pounded. But won.

Running backs: C

Rookie lead back Omarion Hampton, out of class since Week 5 with a high ankle sprain, finally returned to school. But the guy who took his place, Kimani Vidal caught a short pass and took it 60 yards, setting up a TD pass to Hampton.

Receivers: F

They could NOT get open. Tre Harris, who does something nice every week, had a big catch. But it was a slow night for wideouts. Tight end Will Dissly did have a big hold. Ladd McConkey caught his first pass a minute into the fourth quarter.

Offensive line: F

The pass blocking early stunk. At times, Bradley Bozeman appears to have failed Center 101. Trey Pipkins had an untimely jump and then, even more untimely, got hurt. He was replaced by Bobby Hart, who isn’t Anthony Munoz. Jamaree Salyer had a bad hold.

Defensive line: A

Da’Shawn Hand had a pick, fumbled, but Troy Dye alertly fell on it, stopping a drive. They were gashed a few times by Saquon Barkley on the second possession but settled down, limiting Philly to a field goal. Teair Tart had his usual effective game, but also had a bad neutral zone infraction (how does that happen?).

Linebackers: B

Tuli Tuipulotu was the first to tackle Barkley. Odafe Oweh had the first sack and then the massive offsides in OT. Khalil Mack was very active. Daiyan Henley had a nice night. Everybody missed Barkley on his 52-yard touchdown scamper, but there was a blatant hold that wasn’t called. Have we told you Denzel Perryman can tackle?

Secondary: A

San Diego’s Tony Jefferson picked Jalen Hurts on the goal line in OT to win a wild one. Tarheeb Still got beat deep on the first play but A.J. Brown dropped it. He also blew a tackle late. Derwin James played every position but coach. He left the field to be evaluated for a concussion in the second quarter, but quickly returned. Elijah Molden had a beautiful whiff. Donte Jackson had a big pick. Jamaree Caldwell forced a fumble. Cam Hart had a huge pick

Special teams: B

Cameron Dicker The Kicker had 45, 36, and 31-yard field goals before his 46-yarder tied it – and then hit 56-yarder in OT. JK Scott punted extremely well. Coverage was good, forcing a fumble the Eagles recovered. Return man Derius Davis sprained an ankle. Vidal should not return kickoffs.

Coaching: A

Jim Harbaugh won a game he had no business winning, but that’s what he does. His defense was brilliant. He did as much as he could for his wounded quarterback.