Nick Canepa grades the Chargers following Sunday’s 23-17 loss to the Broncos at SoFi Stadium: 

Quarterbacks: F

Justin Herbert just can’t do it, even when a game is winnable. He threw a short touchdown to third-string tight end Hayden Rucci that tied it at 10 after a 9-minute, 28-second drive to open the third quarter. He ran effectively, but he had the monster fumble loss when hit by his lineman’s foot. His late pick ruined the effort.

Running backs: B
Kimani Vidal broke loose on a brilliantly blocked, tackle-busting 42-yard touchdown run to put his side up 17-10. Keaton Mitchell had moments catching the ball. Omarion Hampton, where are you?
Receivers: F

The bottom of a barrel, which wasn’t bountiful to begin with, was near-empty. Ladd McConkey, with a bad foot, dressed but didn’t play. Tre Harris became the ace (aces can have big drops). He also got hurt and left. Quentin Johnston, for better or worse, was in the nurse’s office, so there was at least a chance for fewer drops. The tight end room was hit. Theo “?” Wease caught a pass.

Offensive line: C

Sunday’s starting five: LT Travis Burke; LG Logan Taylor; C Jake Slaughter; RG Cole “Holding Isn’t” Strange and RT Alex Harkey. Four rookies. Veteran Strange was the only lineman on the field thought to be a starter at the beginning of training camp. Tackles Rashawn Slater (ankle surgery; will miss four weeks) and Joe Alt (neck) were out.

Defensive line: B

No matter what, Teair Tart can play — when he isn’t jumping offside. Jamaree Caldwell had a nice tackle for loss. The team was good versus the run; the “D” didn’t lose this.

Linebackers: B

Rookie Akheem Mesidor finally had his name called, once, on a big sack. Tuli Tuipulotu forced a fumble on Denver quarterback Bo Nix and recovered it. He also batted down a pass. Del’Shawn Phillips tipped a pass, which could have been a big play, except sometimes-worthless replay didn’t agree. Daiyan Henley continues to tackle people, and there aren’t many linebackers better in coverage.

Secondary: C+

Derwin James was out again. Tarheeb Still got robbed with a PI penalty on an uncatchable pass. Tony Jefferson did likewise on one of those underthrown balls. Cam Hart was beaten deep early. RJ Mickens grabbed a facemask near the goal line, leading to the first TD. Genesis Smith had an important tip, then got lost in the desert on a TD pass.

Special teams: C

Cameron Dicker The Kicker opened their scoring with a 42-yard field goal. Holding on a punt led to great Broncos field position.

Coaching: F

Jim Harbaugh had his walking wounded ready to play, but it wasn’t enough. He decided to go for it on fourth-and-1 while leading 17-10 in the fourth quarter. Herbert didn’t make it. You could see where the coach was coming from, but he gave Denver a short field — and the win. Harbaugh has to understand timeouts are precious things.

Next Opportunity — at Kansas City: F

The NFL Team That Used To Be Here has always played the Chiefs tough during the Patrick Mahomes era. But this is different. It’s impossible to imagine a road vehicle with four flat tires winning this game.