Justin Herbert, special teams make it in Chargers' win over Broncos in Denver – San Diego Union-Tribune

The Union-Tribune's Nick Canepa rates the Chargers after Sunday's 23-16 win in Denver over the Broncos:

Quarterbacks: B+

Justin Herbert had to introduce himself to his receivers, but he quickly became friends. He hit rookie back Kimani “Gore” Vidal for a 38-yard touchdown. Herbert threw it far more often than before – 26 times in the first half – and it was sharp. This is not a second half offense. Three points.

Running Backs: B

Tailback 1-B, Gus Edwards, is in the nurse's IR room, leaving most of the work to No. 1-A, JK Dobbins, who can handle it. Vidal is difficult to bring down. Dobbins is one of the better defenders (when healthy), and his TD gave his team a 20-0 lead.

Recipient: C

Quentin Johnston intercepted Herbert's first two throws before limping to the locker room (he returned). Then, after a catch near the end zone, freshman Ladd McConkey left the game in concussion protocol, leaving an inexperienced corps with less experience. McConkey came back, then left and came back again. Tight end Hayden Hurst then went to the locker room. Joshua Palmer, quiet all year, was fine. They played against everyone in Denver, including Uber drivers. Will Dissly was needed and useful. Simi Fehoko had a great 29-yard catch.

Offensive line: C

Herbert welcomed the return of tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. Slater, the left tackle, left the first half with an injury but returned. Normally Herbert had time and the running game worked.

Defensive line: B

The defense was very good early on and the team built a 20-0 halftime lead in the thin air. Teair Tart recovered a fumble. Morgan Fox had a sack. The interior remains robust.

Linebacker: B-

Despite the bye week, Joey said, “Oh, doctor!” Bosa didn't recover from his bad hip and was given a hall pass. A big deal. Very little pressure on Bo Nix. Daiyan Henley has found a niche and is tapping into it. Khalil Mack forced the fumble recovered by Hart. Denzel Perryman had a big stop on a 2-point conversion attempt.

Secondary: C-

Asante Samuel, the team's top cornerback, has joined Edwards on IR. Elijah Molden picked the first pass of the game and put his team in a great position. Tarheeb Still made a great play on a deep pass and also served as a pass rusher. Mitchell Fraboni botched a sure sack. Derwin James picked off two passes in the backfield.

Special Teams: A

Cameron Dicker The kicker opened the scoring with a field goal, then made another to give his buddies a 13-0 lead, and then another. The Chargers struck once in the first three quarters. The second was a beauty by JK Scott inside the Denver 5-yard line.

Coach: B

Jim Harbaugh went to the locker room early in the game with a cardiac arrhythmia. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter replaced him, but Jim returned a while later. Now to that gentle defense at the end. …

Next opportunity – in Arizona: C

It's a Monday night game, giving Bosa an extra day to not be ready to play.

Originally published: October 13, 2024 at 4:30 p.m