Nick Canepa grades the Chargers following Thursday’s 37-10 win over the Vikings at SoFi Stadium: 

Quarterbacks: A

Going in, Justin Herbert had been hit 62 times, and yet leads The League in passing yards and attempts. He also has run it more than ever — 26.6 yards per game, much of it out of necessity. No matter. Under pressure, his first hot pass was a reversed-by-replay pick-six. So he led his side on a 16-play drive for a TD. Just kept running well and then found Ladd McConkey for a 27-yard touchdown just before the break. His pick was tipped. At last, a blowout.

Running backs: A

With running an afterthought, with Omarion Hampton on injured reserve and out, and Najee Harris gone for the year, it’s been up to Kamani Vidal to be the team’s legs when Herbert’s aren’t enough. He ran like a starter, with great purpose and scored and gained chunk after chunk. Jaret Patterson was activated.

Receivers: B+

Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen and rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden all have more than 300 receiving yards this season. Gadsden has star quality: He caught three passes and a TD on the first drive, and later a 41-yarder. McConkey had a shocking drop, but made up for it. Allen was Allen. Johnston got shut out. Tre Harris caught a TD, the dagger.

Offensive line: B

Eight different starters have appeared on the O-line this season. Ace tackle Joe Alt, out for a few weeks, said he expected to play vs. the Vikes, and he did. Huge difference. The same went for No. 3 right tackle Trey Pipkins (knee). Guard Mekhi Beckton came out with a knee issue.

Defensive line: A-

It appeared early that they got their physicality back, and they did. Justin Eboigbe had one sack and, later, another. The Vikings were left without a running game.

Linebackers: B

Daiyan Henley was much more active than a week ago, as was the defense. Khalil Mack looked stronger and provided pressure, then delivered the team’s fourth sack. Denzel Perryman was in as many places as he possibly could reach. Odafe Oweh had his first sack since the trade.

Secondary: B+

Donte Jackson whiffed on an early tackle. Starting safety Elijah Molden (thumb) was activated. Derwin James chased Carson Wentz into El Segundo and then hurt his ankle, becoming questionable. Major loss. Tony Jefferson also got hurt. Big loss. Benjamin St-Juste had a terrible hold that led to a TD that made it 24-10. R.J. Mickens had a pick.

Special teams: C

Cameron Dicker The Kicker had a 48-yard extra point after Gadsden’s taunting penalty, then missed a 49-yard field goal, his first mistake of ‘25, then got away with a bad kickoff, then made two FGs. No punting necessary.

Coaching: A

This was Harball. This is how Jim Harbaugh wants to play. Run the ball. Pass it smart. Play strong up front on defense. Get after the passer. Win. That’s what he did Thursday night. A great job coming off a batdown on a short week.

Next opportunity — at Tennessee: A

The Titans are the worst team in football. The game will be over early — unless weather intervenes.

 

Originally Published: October 23, 2025 at 8:36 PM PDT