The Union-Tribune’s Nick Canepa grades the Chargers’ players and coaches following Saturday’s 24-22 loss to the Buffalo Bills:
Quarterbacks: C+
Under (most welcome) new management, Easton Stick, making his second start following last week’s debacle, was better. He wasn’t Elway, but he had poise, more confidence and used his legs — running in a TD to start the second quarter to put his guys up a short-lived 10-0. And yet? Another close loss. Meanwhile, Justin “Badfinger” Herbert awaits the arrival of Jim Harbaugh.
Running backs: B
Austin Ekeler, with little chance to return in 2024, actually was used much more, and he ran with a purpose and caught balls out of the backfield.
Receivers: C
Again absent was No. 1 receiver Keenan Allen (heel), and huge, healthy TE Donald Parham Jr. was out, sent without explanation to an enormous coach’s doghouse. No. 1 rookie Quentin Johnston has libraries to learn. TE Stone Smart had a big early catch. Jalen Guyton had a nice drop. Alex Erickson was the best wideout.
Offensive line: C
Cameron “Tom” Tom became the third center to start this year, and he was fine until he moved the ball in a crucial situation. Rashawn Slater had a large hold. OL had been brutal blocking for the run but was improved. Stick wasn’t sacked until early in the third, and then the line got worn down (5 sacks).
Defensive line: B+
Its best game, especially vs. the run. After allowing 63 points to the stinking Raiders last week, the defense came out inspired against a fine offense — at least for a while.
Linebackers: B
His team has been bad, but Khalil Mack has been rejuvenated. He is in a lot of places now, often, and had an early tackle for loss. But there isn’t much help. Tuli Tuipulotu continues to show promise. Joey Bosa suited up, looked nice, no need to do laundry. Kenneth Murray is not the man to cover a deep receiver.
Secondary: B-
Their best DB, Alohi “Goodbye” Gillman, had a nice third-quarter pick and forced a huge fumble in the fourth. Finally, Derwin James played closer to scrimmage, where he is by far more effective. Asante Samuel Jr. had a big whiff. Michael Davis got beat deep (again).
Special teams: A-
A.J. Finley forced a first-quarter fumbled punt, recovered by Amen “I Say To You” Ogbongbemiga, leading to Stick’s TD. Excellent Cameron Dicker The Kicker, one of the team’s all-time best, went 5-for-5, and a 53-yarder in the fourth put them up 22-21. Derius Davis dropped a kickoff and recovered inside his own 10. He dropped another and got pulled.
Coaching: A-
Outside linebackers assistant Giff “Fiery” Smith is interim head coach, and his team actually entered the game not mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. Bad math, but “The Giffer” had them ready. They played better than expected vs. a superior team. Kellen Moore was able to use more of his playbook.
Next opportunity — at Broncos: F
If Denver were pounded down to sea level, it wouldn’t matter. This is a loss.
