Nick Canepa’s Report Card: Chargers get mixed grades in regular-season finale

by Nick Canepa

Nick Canepa grades the Chargers following Sunday’s 19-3 loss to the Broncos in Denver:

Quarterbacks: C

An early August game. Justin Herbert, more banged up than a Buddy Rich tom-tom, wisely was held out, as were others. So Trey Lance, who the 49ers once used three No. 1s to draft, got the start. Trey tried some long stuff early but was throwing airballs, Had an inexcusable delay. At one point before the break, he completed seven straight passes. But fumbled it away deep in Denver territory in the fourth.

Running backs: C

Kamani Vidal returned not to do much while Omarion Hampton sat. Backup Jaret Patterson got most of the work there was, and when given a chance, ran well.

Receivers: Incomplete

KeAndre Lambert-Smith had a pass go through his hands that became a pick-six, which put the hosts up 10-0 early. He then left with an ankle injury. Keenan Allen needed six catches for a $750,000 bonus and $250,000 more for yards. He got both, then later went into the tent with an undisclosed problem. Rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden had a couple of nice catches. Tre Davis was there. Ladd McConkey wasn’t listed as inactive, but wasn’t active or visible.

Offensive line: F+

Your starters: tackles Austin Deculus and Bobby Hart, guards Brandon Taylor and Trevon Penning and center Andre James. Canton does not await, but they played over their helmets (although the bar basically was on the ground). Hart had a predictable jump, then his illegal formation cost them a late TD. Deculus whiffed on a sack, then jumped.

Defensive line: A

The Broncos’ offense did not score a touchdown. The Chargers’ defense had trouble keeping Bo Nix in check early despite applying pressure. Undrafted Marlowe Wax had a huge tackle for loss. Rookie Jamaree Caldwell is not easy to block. Da’Shawn Hand batted down a pass. Justin Eboigbe had a sack.

Linebackers: A

Del’Shawn Phillips, the special teams ace, got the start and may have been their best player. Did many good things; had a sack. Troy Dye did work in coverage and on the ground and had a nice tackle for loss. Kyle Kennard had a TFL. Odofe Oweh had a big sack, then another near the goal line.

Secondary: A

Donte Jackson, their best corner, damaged his ankle and was removed shortly after the opening kickoff. Tarheeb Still made a big goal-line tackle. Tony Jefferson continues to play younger than his age. Cam Hart can tackle, but got beat deep.

Special teams: B

Cameron Dicker The Kicker opened their scoring with a 30-yard field goal. Derius Davis, who has not excited the masses, has to learn to catch punts when he can. This team needs a dangerous return guy.

Coaching: B+

Jim Harbaugh punted early on third-and-one. Why? Was he playing for home-field advantage? But his team showed up, especially Jesse Minter’s defense. On the whole, they’re probably better than the Broncos.