Union-Tribune columnist Nick Canepa grades the Chargers after Sunday's regular season finale at Denver, a 23-9 victory:
Quarterbacks: C-
Philip Rivers suddenly at times is Greg Maddux without control and a live fastball. He had a chance for a quick start following an onside kick recovery, but got picked (again on first possession, third straight game), and then another in the first quarter. Pressure is keeping him from long stuff. There should not be offensive problems. Get better or go home — wherever that is.
Running backs: C+
Melvin Gordon ran hard in the second half and then tweaked an ankle when he shouldn’t have been playing.