Tweet
Union-Tribune columnist Nick Canepa issues his grades for the Chargers after their 38-14 rout of the Cleveland Browns on Sunday in Cleveland.
Quarterbacks: A-
Philip RiversMelvin Gordon should have caught.
Running backs: A
Ran for 246 yards. vs. a good rush defense. Gordon, an elite back, had 132 of those and 3 scores (maybe his best game). FB Derek Watt can block. Austin Ekeler was a no-show until third quarter and then ran well once given the chance.
Receivers: A-
Tyrell Williams had a monster day, a 44-yard catch and then a terrific, wrestling 45-yard TD on the next play, with a 29-yard TD later. Keenan Allen had a better time running it. Virgil GreenOffensive line: A
Again, fine run blocking. LT Russell OkungMike PounceyDefensive line: A
Melvin Ingram is disruptive, but needs missing bookend Joey Bosa. Corey LiugetLinebackers: B-
Kyzir White and Jatavis Brown, one and two outside backers, were out, making way for rookie Uchenna Nwosu. Depleted, still a good day vs. the run.
Secondary: A-
Browns were down to 3 wideouts, none of them Lance Alworth. Desmond King had a big pick to set up third TD, then another INT. Rashard Jenkins shared a sack with Liuget. Jahleel Addae had a illegal use of hands penalty on third down (wiping out a sack), then one on a punt. Trevor Williams was out-heighted on a TD throw.
Special teams: C+Donnie JonesCoaching: A-
Ridiculous, ill-advised trick play mangled a promising drive, but O- coordinator Ken Whisenhunt had a fabulous game plan, going wide all day long (Gordon, Tyrell Williams and Allen had 100-plus total yards). Browns could do little. Points left on the field, but a good day.
Next opportunity (Tennessee in London): B
The Judases played the Saints in London in 2008 and met a similar fate as Anne Boleyn. Too much O for the Titans.
Quarterbacks: A-
Philip RiversMelvin Gordon should have caught.
Running backs: A
Ran for 246 yards. vs. a good rush defense. Gordon, an elite back, had 132 of those and 3 scores (maybe his best game). FB Derek Watt can block. Austin Ekeler was a no-show until third quarter and then ran well once given the chance.
Receivers: A-
Tyrell Williams had a monster day, a 44-yard catch and then a terrific, wrestling 45-yard TD on the next play, with a 29-yard TD later. Keenan Allen had a better time running it. Virgil GreenOffensive line: A
Again, fine run blocking. LT Russell OkungMike PounceyDefensive line: A
Melvin Ingram is disruptive, but needs missing bookend Joey Bosa. Corey LiugetLinebackers: B-
Kyzir White and Jatavis Brown, one and two outside backers, were out, making way for rookie Uchenna Nwosu. Depleted, still a good day vs. the run.
Secondary: A-
Browns were down to 3 wideouts, none of them Lance Alworth. Desmond King had a big pick to set up third TD, then another INT. Rashard Jenkins shared a sack with Liuget. Jahleel Addae had a illegal use of hands penalty on third down (wiping out a sack), then one on a punt. Trevor Williams was out-heighted on a TD throw.
Special teams: C+Donnie JonesCoaching: A-
Ridiculous, ill-advised trick play mangled a promising drive, but O- coordinator Ken Whisenhunt had a fabulous game plan, going wide all day long (Gordon, Tyrell Williams and Allen had 100-plus total yards). Browns could do little. Points left on the field, but a good day.
Next opportunity (Tennessee in London): B
The Judases played the Saints in London in 2008 and met a similar fate as Anne Boleyn. Too much O for the Titans.
Comment