SAN DIEGO -- Here’s a look at the first half of the season for the San Diego Chargers (4-5) and a preview of what to expect in the second half:

Grade: C- In September I predicted San Diego finishing 4-5 through the first nine games, and that’s where they ended up. The Chargers have played well for large stretches of every game, but of course, have had trouble finishing. After New England, San Diego has run the most plays with a lead this season. However, since the start of the 2015 season, the Chargers are 6-14 in games decided by eight points or less. That statistic falls directly on coach Mike McCoy and his ability to manage late-game situations. The Chargers also have had trouble holding on to the football with 18 turnovers, second-most in the league.

Midseason MVP: With two of his top playmakers out with season-ending knee injuries -- receiver Keenan Allen and running back Danny Woodhead -- quarterback Philip Rivers continues to direct an efficient San Diego offense, putting points on the board. Rivers' mastery of offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt's scheme allows the Chargers to get to the best matchup at the line of scrimmage. The 34-year-old signal-caller has not missed a start in more than a decade and raises the level of play of everyone around him.

Best moment: With his job likely on the line, McCoy’s Chargers held on to defeat defending champion Denver at home 21-13 in a nationally televised Thursday night game. A nervous McCoy knelt and anxiously rubbed his temples as Denver quarterback Trevor Siemian's failed attempt at a Hail Mary was knocked down by safety Dexter McCoil. That victory led to an impressive overtime win in Atlanta the following week and helped bring some much-needed confidence.

Worst moment: There are several to choose from, but I’d have to go with losing a 21-point lead in the second half on the road against Kansas City in the season opener. That loss set the tone for San Diego’s season. If the Chargers had figured out a way to hold on to a victory at Arrowhead Stadium, perhaps that gives them the confidence needed to close out games against Indianapolis and New Orleans. Instead, the setback to the Chiefs established a "here we go again" mentality that lingered through the first half of the season.

Player to watch: Although he missed the first month of the season because of a lingering hamstring injury after a contract stalemate forced him to miss training camp, rookie defensive end Joey Bosa has been impressive. Bosa recorded four sacks in his first four games, and also totaled 16 quarterback pressures and 13 tackles, including six tackles for loss. The Chargers not only got a dangerous pass-rusher with the No. 3 overall selection in this year’s draft, but a tone-setter who can play all three downs and is stout against the run. The Ohio State product has been as good as advertised through the first half of the season and has a chance to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Second-half outlook: The Chargers finish out 2016 with five of their last eight games at Qualcomm Stadium. Although San Diego sits in the cellar of perhaps the best division in football, if they can stack some wins together they could be in the postseason conversation at the end of the season when other teams falter. Keeping healthy players on the field will be critical. The Chargers have a league-leading 17 players on injured reserve and can’t afford to lose any more impact players.