Union-Tribune columnist Nick Canepa grades the Chargers after their easy 45-10 win Sunday over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Quarterbacks: A

On the 38th anniversary of his birth, Philip Rivers made a wish to make amends for eight picks over his past three games, and he was brilliant, playing like he couldn’t wait to get out of Jacksonville (as most people do). Had some bad drops, but he was as good as ever — so good he sat out the fourth quarter. Backup Tyrod Taylor was handed the mop and he threw a TD to blocking TE Virgil Green.

Running backs: A+

Among the many shames of this lost season is that few teams can match the versatility of tailbacks Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler. Ekeler, who had the game of his life, ran for 27 yards on the first play and then turned a short pass into an 84-yard TD to open the second half (12 touches, 212 total yards). Gordon ran with his usual purpose. Derek Watt had a 1-yard score, maybe a career long. Welcome back, Justin Jackson.

Wide receivers: B

At times acted as if the ball were radioactive. Keenan Allen caught a 45-yarder on the game’s second play. Reliable (usually) Hunter Henry turned a great catch into a drop, made up for it getting wide open on a 30-yard score, then had a ridiculous drop. Class crasher Jalen Guyton, a name foreign to teacher, also dropped a long one (and a pitch on a foolish reverse). Mike Williams finally caught his first TD pass, a 44-yarder, after intermission.


Offensive line: A

Everyone on this line of reservists played over their hats — run and pass. Rivers was sacked once.

Defensive line: A-

Tackling by entire D may have been the best in years. Joey Bosa, locomotion, had two sacks and nice TOL. Melvin Ingram may have played. Brandon Mebane missed a sack that became a TD.

Linebackers: B+

Denzel Perryman, for whatever incomprehensible reason (maybe because he can tackle), was a healthy inactive. Rookie Drue Tranquill probably is better, anyway, and seemingly was everywhere but Daytona Beach. Thomas Davis, the octogenarian, got downfield in coverage.

Secondary: A-

Sorely missed “safety” Derwin James, the only NFL defender who seemingly can play every position, knocked down a pass — as a linebacker, and made plays. Casey Hayward played like his old self, which is good. Desmond King’s 2019 is not his 2018, which was All-Pro. Brandon Facyson’s name was mentioned. Adrian Phillips has returned.


Special teams: B-

Fooled on an obvious fake punt situation that eventually became a TD. Punter Ty Law can kick the ball into the end zone for touchbacks, so he’s valuable. Michael Badgley had a 40-yard FG at the end of the half. King still has trouble catching punts.

Coaching: A

Anthony Lynn burned a first-half timeout on a third-and-1, which would have come in handy at the end of the half. But he had his kids ready to beat an inferior team and easily did just that.

Next opportunity (Vikings): A

Teacher’s hunch. Time to beat a good team.

