The Union-Tribune’s Nick Canepa grades the Chargers following Sunday’s 23-16 win over the Broncos in Denver:
Quarterbacks: B+
Justin Herbert had to introduce himself to his receivers, but he made friends quickly. He hit rookie back Kimani “Gore” Vidal for a 38-yard touchdown. Herbert threw it far more often as he has — 26 times in the first half — and he was sharp. This is not a second-half offense. Three points.
Running backs: B
Tailback 1-B, Gus Edwards, is in the nurse’s IR room, leaving most work to No. 1-A, J.K. Dobbins, who can handle it. Vidal is hard to bring down. Dobbins is one of the better backs (when healthy), and his TD put his team up 20-0.
Receivers: C
Quentin Johnston caught Herbert’s first two throws before limping to the locker room (he did return). Then, after a catch near the end zone, rookie Ladd McConkey left in concussion protocol, leaving an inexperienced corps less experienced. McConkey returned, then he left again and came back again. Tight end Hayden Hurst then went to the locker room. Joshua Palmer, quiet all year, was OK. They played everyone in Denver, including Uber drivers. Will Dissly was needed and useful. Simi Fehoko had a terrific 29-yard catch.
Offensive line: C
Herbert welcomed the return of tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. Slater, the left tackle, exited in the first half with an injury but came back. Herbert usually had time, and the run game worked.
Defensive line: B
The defense was very good early, and the team built a 20-0 halftime lead in the rarefied air. Teair Tart recovered a fumble. Morgan Fox had a sack. The interior remains stout.
Linebackers: B-
Despite the bye week, Joey “Oh, Doctor!” Bosa didn’t recover from his bad hip and got a hall . A big deal. Very little pressure on Bo Nix. Daiyan Henley has found a niche and is carving it out. Khalil Mack forced the fumble recovered by Hart. Denzel Perryman had a huge stop on a 2-point conversion try.
Secondary: C-
Asante Samuel, the team’s best corner, has ed Edwards in the IR ward. Elijah Molden picked the game’s first and put his team in great position. Tarheeb Still made a great play on a deep and doubled as a rusher. Mitchell Fraboni blew a sure sack. Derwin James batted down two es in the backfield.
Special teams: A
Cameron Dicker The Kicker opened scoring with a field goal, then had another to give his pals a 13-0 lead, then another. The Chargers punted once in the first three quarters. The second one was a beauty by JK Scott inside Denver’s 5-yard line.
Coaching: B
Jim Harbaugh left for the locker room early in the game with a heart arrhythmia. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter replaced him, but Jim returned a while later. Now, about that soft defense at the end. …
Next opportunity — at Arizona: C
It’s a Monday night game, which gives Bosa an extra day not to be ready to play.
