San Diego Chargers’ 2014 Midseason Report Card

They are ranked eighth in passing, but they are averaging only 85.8 YPG on the ground (30th). They are averaging 25.6 PPG (tied for ninth) and 353.3 YPG (15th). During their five-game win streak, QB Philip Rivers was playing like an MVP. In those games, they averaged 29.4 PPG, but in their three losses they averaged 19.3 PPG. They can be really good, but their run game needs to improve and they need to be more consistent.

Grade: B+

They are ranked sixth against the pass (219.1 YPG) and 14th against the run (110.9 YPG). They are allowing 18.6 PPG (fourth) and 330.0 YPG (10th). They have four INTs (tied for 23rd) and five fumble recoveries (tied for 11th) for a total of nine turnovers. They have 15 sacks (tied for 18th). They need to force more turnovers, but at the end of the day they are not giving up a lot of points.

Grade: A-

This is Mike McCoy’s second season as head coach of the Chargers. After going 9-7 and making the playoffs last season he has the team in a position to make the playoffs again. Frank Reich, the offensive coordinator, needs to help the run game improve in order to help out Rivers. John Pagano, the defensive coordinator, is doing a really good job and the defense is not giving up very many points.

Grade: B+/A-

First-round pick Jason Verrett has 18 tackles and one INT. Second-round pick Jeremiah Attaochu has five tackles and one sack. Third-round pick Chris Watt has played in five games (started zero). Fifth-round pick NT Ryan Carruthers has nine tackles. Sixth-round selection Marion Grice is now with the Cardinals. Seventh-round pick Tevin Reese is now on the Bengals. There’s some talent in their first four picks, but it’s too early.

Grade: B

They are 14-of-14 in FG attempts and 23-of-23 on PATs. Their average punt is 46.1 yards (15th), with an average net of 43.2 yards per punt (sixth). They are averaging 16.0 yards on kickoff returns (last) and 7.1 yards on punt returns (21st). Their opponents are averaging 21.2 yards on kickoff returns (eighth) and 9.1 yards on punt returns (21st) against them.

Grade: B-