EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Tarheeb Still’s impressive performance last week in Atlanta, where he recorded two interceptions, has not only earned him the title of AFC Defensive Player of the Week but has also put a spotlight on the Los Angeles Chargers’ secondary. This unit has surpassed expectations throughout the season, despite dealing with numerous injuries.
Since the season opener against Las Vegas on September 8, four out of five starters have spent time on the sidelines due to injuries, with two currently on injured reserve. However, cornerbacks Still and Cam Hart, both selected in the fifth round of the draft, have quickly adapted to their roles. In addition, safeties Elijah Molden and Marcus Maye, who joined the Chargers after training camp, have made significant contributions to the team’s defense.
Maye’s recent acquisition from Miami on November 27 proved advantageous, as he intercepted a pass in the end zone against the Falcons, despite only having participated in one practice with the Chargers at that point. Heading into Sunday’s showdown against their AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs, the Chargers boast the league’s best scoring defense, allowing an average of 15.7 points per game. With 13 interceptions thus far, they are tied for fourth in the league and have enjoyed their most interceptions through 12 games since the 2017 season.
Furthermore, the team ranks tenth against passing offenses, permitting an average of 206.4 yards per game, and holds the third-best defensive passer rating in the league at 80.6. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter praised general manager Joe Hortiz for acquiring players whose skills seamlessly align with the team’s defensive strategy. He noted that several of the new players had experience in similar systems, which facilitated their quicker adaptation.
Molden, who was brought in from Tennessee for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick on August 28, is tied with Still for the team lead in interceptions, with three each. Molden acknowledged that familiarity with similar defensive schemes has helped ease their transition to the Chargers. “We still have to get the language down, but we understand the goals set by the defensive coordinator and the intentions behind the strategy,” Molden noted, emphasizing the importance of communication among teammates.
This week, Molden and Maye are expected to receive increased playing time as Alohi Gilman is placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring strain. The impressive performance of the secondary can be attributed in part to the guidance of secondary coach Steve Clinkscale and safeties coach Chris O’Leary. Clinkscale previously worked with Minter and coach Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, while O’Leary spent time at Notre Dame and also collaborated with Minter at Georgia State.
Following last Sunday’s four-interception game, Harbaugh awarded game balls to both Clinkscale and O’Leary, acknowledging Clinkscale’s exceptional ability to translate complex schemes into understandable concepts for the players. Safety Derwin James highlighted the significant impact that Clinkscale and O’Leary have had in fostering the secondary’s development. “I think these two deserve more recognition for all the hard work they put in to prepare us, regardless of who is on the field,” he stated.
Still, known for his pivotal pick-six that contributed to the Chargers’ lead against the Vikings, lauded Clinkscale for the support he’s received as a rookie. Still has taken on a starting role during a challenging season, with Asante Samuel Jr. recovering from a shoulder injury and Kristian Fulton also battling injuries. Hart, after starting six consecutive games, has missed the last two weeks due to an ankle issue.
“He’s been a huge help in my development. He understands our potential and the capabilities of each of us in the secondary,” Still remarked. However, the upcoming matchup against the Chiefs presents a stern challenge. Kansas City triumphed in their last meeting, 17-10, where Xavier Worthy had a striking 54-yard touchdown catch from Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce recorded seven receptions for 89 yards. James missed that game due to a suspension related to penalties.
Clinkscale added that although the team displayed great defensive prowess last week with four interceptions, there is still room for improvement. They aim to tighten their man coverage in upcoming games. “There’s a lot to enhance, and we haven’t yet delivered our best performance,” he admitted, expressing confidence that the previous week’s achievements could help propel them forward in their execution.
