Nick Canepa’s Chargers’ report card

Quarterbacks

It was the battle of Easton Stick vs. Jarrett Stidham, not exactly Earps v. Clantons, in a place where this visiting team wins as often as Denver reaches 120 degrees. Stick cannot play in The League, although he’s been terribly restricted by a lack of outside skill.

Running backs D

Once again, during the brief post-Brandon Staley era, the J’s actually looked as though they were going to try their hand at using their feet. But there are Faberge eggs treated more roughly than Austin Ekeler, who in his penultimate start with the team, fumbled it away at an important moment (if there could be one). How many teams are going to want a fumbler?

Receivers

Tight end Gerald Everett dropped the game’s first pass, one of the day’s most productive plays. With top two wideouts Keenan Allen and Mike Williams out, Alex “Leif” Erickson has been their most reliable WR. A lot of unknowns catching the ball who are auditing teacher’s class, including Keelan “MS” Doss. Rookie No. 1 Quentin Johnston is on the bust bubble, but deserves another year.

Offensive line

Rashawn Slater, not having an All-Pro year, had a nice hold, then a bad one. The first sack allowed was of the coverage variety. It’s been worse.

Defensive line

The “D” allowed an awful Denver offense 235 yards in the first half. If you put a bowl of mustard in front of them, they couldn’t cut it.

Linebackers

Khalil Mack’s bull-rush sack was the 100th of his career. He should be a Pro Bowler. Eric Kendricks is really good in coverage. At least he makes plays (as in plural). Nick Niemann had a tackle for loss.

Secondary D

The 54-yard TD scored by Lil’Jordan “Giant” Humphrey featured so many pathetic tackling attempts that it should be preserved for eternity in Canton. Derwin James dropped a potential pick, but it’s a good thing he’s on this defense. He had a sack. Asante Samuel Jr. actually broke on a ball and Michael Davis actually broke up a pass. They lost Jerry Jeudy as if he were in Durango. Alohi “Goodbye’ Gilman got screwed on a bad PI call.

Special teams C

Derius Davis began by catching a punt on his own 4-yard line, one of the few things returners should never do. Cameron Dicker The Kicker, the team’s best player, made his first field goal attempt, then a 50-yarder, had a 50yarder tipped, and then made a 52-yarder to bring it to 7, as he made his case for All-Pro recognition.

Coaching

Giff Smith ran a horrible fake punt — to Niemann, a linebacker who is not exactly used to handling the ball — that became a clown show. Staley wouldn’t have done that. Giff fits right in as a modern clock manager.

Next opportunity — vs, Chiefs

K.C. has clinched a playoff spot and doesn’t have to play its starters, but it should be a huge favorite to beat a team that finds end zones radioactive.