Union-Tribune columnist Nick Canepa grades the Chargers after Thursday night’s last-second 29-28 victory Thursday night at Kansas City.

Quarterbacks: A-

Philip Rivers had to be great. He wasn’t — and rarely is vs. K.C., his Zola Budd — and then he was, in the end, when it mattered. His 26-yard, fourth-down, fourth-quarter pass to Travis Benjamin may have been the best he’s ever thrown. Early, he was a K.C. burger, shoved into the Arrowhead Steakhouse meat grinder. Constantly pressured, sacked 5 times, and made a few bad decisions. Quarterbacked a classic.

Running backs: B

With lead reindeer Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler grounded, it was up to Justin “Time” Jackson and Detrez Newsome to guide the sleigh. They were OK (Jackson, who scored, runs so hard, and catches, as does Newsome), just not the threat to get Santa to the roof.

Wide receivers: A

Mike Williams, having the game of his life, had a big 38-yarder, then a nice, leaping score, then a reverse carry for a TD, then the TD at the end of regulation, then the 2-pointer all alone. Keenan Allen damaged his hip, a big blow. Tyrell Williams, looking better, had a presence, and Benjamin had an enormous evening.


Offensive line: D

Michael Schofield got in matador practice vs. bull Chris Jones and got gored steadily. He (and everybody) needed pass protection coaching help early from coaches and didn’t get it. Blocked for the run (and pass) better after recess, but overwhelmed the first 30 minutes.

Defensive line: C

Mostly, when people got close to Patrick Mahomes, he got away from them. Blitzing didn’t work. Not nearly enough rush. Joey Bosa jumped offside twice on a drive. Melvin Ingram got his first sack since college and shared one with Isaac “Rochell” Rochell. Darius Philon had a very big TFL near the end.

Linebackers: D

Like an insufferable, filthy tweeter. Blocked. A lot — especially early, before settling down some. Uchenna Nwosu lost contain on a meaningful Mahomes scramble. Jatavis Brown a bad matchup with Travis Kelce.

Secondary: C+

Couldn’t cover Kelce when important. Derwin James got beat on the first TD (had a big tackle later). Desmond King had a very questionable hold that kept an official-fueled drive going. DBs spent a lot of time out of position. Michael Davis had a big knockdown. Jahleel Addae face-masked the ball on what could have been a major pick.


Special teams: INC

Nothing much here. Allowed a 52-yard kickoff return that didn’t hurt. Donnie Jones, as a punter a good holder, isn’t fit to watch Ray Guy film.

Coaching: A+

Anthony Lynn was out-coached, out-schemed, out-personneled in the first half. But, as he did in Pittsburgh, he adjusted at halftime (the sign of a good coach), and his decision to go for 2 and the win was a gutsy call few Judases coaches in history would have made. Great win in a hard place.

Next opportunity (vs. Ravens): B

Will Gordon play? Allen? Brandon Mebane? It may all come down to the Judases being able to stop a fourth and 29.


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