Column: Nick Canepa’s Chargers grades vs. Denver Broncos

Union-Tribune columnist Nick Canepa grades the Chargers after their 31-28 loss Sunday at the Denver Broncos.

quarterbacks

B

By the time the bell rang in the Denver classroom, Justin Herbert knew the Ravens had lost and his team’s AFC No. 5 playoff seed was secured. But he surprisingly started the meaningless-except-for-pride game, as did most of the ambulatory varsity, (not the best idea), played OK, and thankfully sat down with 11:15 to play. Chase Daniel subbed and threw a TD pass.

Running backs

INC

Nothing. Austin Ekeler, again more side dish than entree, fumbled the ball away (his third loss of the season), holding a drive and leading to a Denver FG.

receivers

C+

The wideout duo of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams ranks among The League’s finest — when the pair of aces can be dealt on the felt together. TE Gerald Everett caught a short scoring pass then had a ridiculous drop (team ranks third in drops). The bad: Williams left with a back injury — on a cart, in pain, and did not return. Deandre Carter fumbled away a scoring chance. Josh Palmer made a fine two-point catch.

offensive line

B

The sack allowed was of the coverage variety. Nothing to complain about.

defensive line

f

The D looked gassed before kickoff and, whether the kids wanted to play or not, emitted a Mile High stink vs. a team that hadn’t scored more than 28 points. Allowed 25- and 27-yard runs on third-and-longs.

linebackers

f

Kahlil Mack overran a reverse, and Joey Bosa hooked a facemask on the next play. Bosa sacked Russell Wilson when the QB fell down. Joey later left with an injury that didn’t appear severe (but who knows?). Drue Tranquil has been given a chance and developed into a player. Kyle Van Noy tipped a pass into a pick by elusive Daniel Joseph-Day, then had a sack.

Secondary

f

Resurrected Wilson’s career and turned Jerry Jeudy into Jerry Rice. Michael Davis continued his splendid year at corner. Safety Ja’Sir “Na’Sir” Taylor, showing why he doesn’t start, had a terrible early roughing the QB call, prolonging a drive leading to a TD, and later got beat deep. DBs were pathetically confused.

Special teams

A

Standout rookie Dicker The Kicker nailed 48 and 25 FGs. Deane Leonard forced a fumble on a punt return that Denver recovered. Later, a muff was recovered. JK Scott punted his finest game. Best “teams” in over a decade.

coaching

f

Brandon Staley’s decision to go with his starters may have backfired like a Model T if Bosa and Williams are out next week. But he didn’t want to lose what doesn’t exist — momentum. Coach has to find a way to turn all those yards into TDs.

Next opportunity: at Jacksonville (Wild Card)

B

Teacher’s kids got clobbered by Jax Week 3. But Herbert cracked rib cartilage Week 2. Good luck for wannabes trying to beat Staley twice in the same season, but if D plays as it did in Denver, ciao, adios.