The Union-Tribune’s Nick Canepa grades the Chargers following Sunday’s 31-17 loss to the Chiefs in Kansas City:
Quarterbacks: F
It’s not true Justin Herbert asked trainers to do a Ronnie Lott and remove his painful broken finger. How the left-hand injury is affecting his right throwing hand is hard for the teacher to know, but prof is guessing “touch.” Justin throws stuff he never should. Again, he lost. Again he couldn’t finish, shut out after the break.
Running backs: A
Backup Josh Kelley ran through a huge hole and scampered for their first TD. He later ran one 49 yards and set up another score. With Austin Ekeler leaving (again) and playing sparingly with an ankle, Kelley ran extremely well — and faster than expected . Return guy Derius Davis is becoming a factor running the ball.
Receivers: B
Joshua Palmer is good, and he had a nice day with some huge plays. Keenan Allen caught a big early and then left the plan before coming back for important stuff. They used a first-round pick on receiver Quentin “McHale” Johnson, and even though Mike Williams has been out and will continue to be out, he rarely has been targeted. The first time Sunday he caught a big one. TE Gerald Everett caught a TD.
Offensive line: F
Allowed 5 sacks. Trey Pipkins got beat for one the first series, then another in the middle of a drive. Nobody touched Willie Gay on his sack, which forced a field goal.
Defensive line: F
Patrick Mahomes could have filmed another Subway commercial with so much time back there. Rushing four a lot was a mistake vs. a QB who loves unchallenged turkey shoots.
Linebackers: F
Zero pressure by front 7. Kenneth Murray keeps improving and getting his name called. Had a huge coverage sack, the team’s only one. Eric Kendricks got was called for interference in the end zone. Khalil Mack was quiet. Joey Bosa (toe) played for no reason.
Secondary: F
Got CBS to go to Taylor Swift early when Travis Kelce was 15-yards open. Asante Samuel Jr. blew a coverage and a diving tackle on the big to Kelce. But no one without wings and halos can figure Kelce, so can’t complain much. Samuel later had a pick. Derwin James recovered a big fumble forced by Kendricks.
Special teams: D
Allowed a Mecole Hardman 50-yard punt return in the fourth that led to the clinching touchdown late. Cameron Dicker The Kicker tied it at 3 with a 55-yarder. He looks like the right one. Punter JK Scott, not the teacher’s pet, nevertheless launched 3 beauties inside the K.C. 10.
Coaching: F
Brandon Staley, to his credit, made defensive adjustments after an abysmal first half. Much too late. The Chiefs hadn’t been doing much offensively, but defensive genius provided relief. Teacher had to watch USC’s defense and then had to watch this abomination.
Next opportunity — vs. Bears: F
For some reason, it’s a Sunday night game, so churchgoers should look into late services. The Bears are better right now.
