The Union-Tribune’s Nick Canepa grades the Chargers following Sunday’s 16-9 loss to the Broncos in Denver:

Quarterbacks: D

It was the battle of Easton Stick vs. Jarrett Stidham, not exactly Earps v. Clantons, in a place where this visiting team wins as often as Denver reaches 120 degrees. Stick cannot play in The League, although he’s been terribly restricted by a lack of outside skill.

Running backs: D-

Once again, during the brief post-Brandon Staley era, the J’s actually looked as though they were going to try their hand at using their feet. But there are Faberge eggs treated more roughly than Austin Ekeler, who in his penultimate start with the team, fumbled it away at an important moment (if there could be one). How many teams are going to want a fumbler?

Receivers: D

Tight end Gerald Everett dropped the game’s first pass, one of the day’s most productive plays. With top two wideouts Keenan Allen and Mike Williams out, Alex “Leif” Erickson has been their most reliable WR. A lot of unknowns catching the ball who are auditing teacher’s class, including Keelan “MS” Doss. Rookie No. 1 Quentin Johnston is on the bust bubble, but deserves another year.

Offensive line: C

Rashawn Slater, not having an All-Pro year, had a nice hold, then a bad one. The first sack allowed was of the coverage variety. It’s been worse.

Defensive line: D

The “D” allowed an awful Denver offense 235 yards in the first half. If you put a bowl of mustard in front of them, they couldn’t cut it.

Linebackers: C

Khalil Mack’s bull-rush sack was the 100th of his career. He should be a Pro Bowler. Eric Kendricks is really good in coverage. At least he makes plays (as in plural). Nick Niemann had a tackle for loss.

Secondary: D-

The 54-yard TD scored by Lil’Jordan “Giant” Humphrey featured so many pathetic tackling attempts that it should be preserved for eternity in Canton. Derwin James dropped a potential pick, but it’s a good thing he’s on this defense. He had a sack. Asante Samuel Jr. actually broke on a ball and Michael Davis actually broke up a pass. They lost Jerry Judy as if he were in Durango. Alohi “Goodbye’ Gilman gut screwed on a bad PI call.

Special teams: C

Derius Davis began by catching a punt on his own 4-yard line, one of the few things returners should never do. Cameron Dicker The Kicker, the team’s best player, made his first field goal attempt, then a 50-yarder, had a 50-yarder tipped, and then made a 52-yarder to bring it to 7, as he made his case for All-Pro recognition.

Coaching: D

Giff Smith ran a horrible fake punt — to Niemann, a linebacker who is not exactly used to handling the ball — that became a clown show. Staley wouldn’t have done that. Giff fits right in as a modern clock manager.

Next opportunity — vs. Chiefs: F

Even if K.C. has clinched a playoff spot and doesn’t play its starters, it should be a huge favorite to beat a team that finds end zones radioactive.