Texans report card: Grading Houston's dominant victory over the Los Angeles Chargers

Turns out, a week off was just what the Houston Texans needed. They dominated the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, 44-22, improving their record to 3-5. Here are the grades from the performance: Quarterback: A+ Even with the interception he threw, it was difficult not to give C.J. Stroud the highest score possible. He tied a career-high with five touchdown passes and threw for a season-high 384 yards.  It was hands down his best performance of the season, and it came against a good Chargers defense. The Chargers had given up only eight passing touchdowns heading into this game.  But they got exposed by Stroud. He finished 21-of-35 for 384 yards, five touchdowns and the one interception.  Running backs: B- The Texans still haven't had a big game running the ball since the first game of the season, but Woody Marks was decent against the Chargers' defense. Marks finished with a season-high 70 yards on 18 carries, averaging 3.9 yards per carry.  Stroud added 20 yards rushing on two carries, and backup Emari Demercado  had 16 yards on six carries. Together they ran for 116 yards.   Running back David Montgomery should be close to a return from a groin injury. His return should help the running game, but even then Marks should remain the starter.  Wide receivers/tight ends: A+ The story of the day was Tank Dell's impact. He had a 63-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter that gave Houston a 17-9 lead. He finished with four catches for 105 yards in only his second game in two years since returning from a major knee injury.  But he wasn't even the one who led the team in receiving yards. Kayshon Boutte had his best game as a Texan, finishing with four catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns. Nico Collins had four catches for 55 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Dalton Schultz had two catches for 42 yards. And Xavier Hutchinson had three catches for 29 yards and a touchdown.  This is what Houston envisioned when it went out and got all of these receivers - a balanced attack that would make it difficult for defenses to key in on Collins.  Offensive line: B Stroud was sacked just once. He had time in the pocket, which is why he was able to be so effective. The offensive line was also able to open up holes for the running backs.  The Texans rushed for 114 yards on 28 carries, including the two kneel downs by Davis Mills at the end of the game. It was the third time this season that the Texans' running game went over 100 yards rushing. And this was against a good Chargers defense.  Defensive line: A This was arguably the best game for the Texans' defensive line. They finished with a season-high eight sacks, including two from Will Anderson Jr., two from Sheldon Rankins, and two from Jadeveon Clowney.  Anderson came into Sunday's game tied for the league lead with 7½ sacks despite not having any in his previous two games. He should remain at the top. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was in a state of disarray all day. He finished 13 of 23 for 193 yards, one touchdown and an interception. Linebackers: B It was a much better game for Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To'oTo'o, who were all over the field and didn't miss many tackles compared to previous games although there were still a few missed. To'oTo'o got into the backfield for two important tackles for loss. Al-Shaair led all defenders with nine tackles.  Overall it was a better performance and was why the defense was more effective.  Secondary: C Derek Stingley Jr. did pick up his first interception of the season, and Herbert threw for less than 200 yards. But Stingley also gave up a 50-yard passing touchdown, continuing a trend of this defense giving up explosive plays. Calen Bullock also got his hands on balls and nearly came down with an interception of his own. And Jalen Pitre delivered some big tackles.  Special teams: C+ Kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn, who was named AFC special teams player of the month for October, knocked in all three of his field-goal attempts. Kai Kroeger shanked a punt and didn't help the defense much with field position. And Tank Dell muffed a punt, though he later recovered it. Coaching: B The Chargers scored 22 points against the Texans, though two touchdowns came in garbage time.  But the offense put on its best performance with a season-high 41 points. They couldn't be stopped.  Subscribe There’s more to Houston with the Chronicle. Subscribe today for just 25¢. This article originally published at Texans report card: Grading Houston's dominant victory over the Los Angeles Chargers .