Tag: Elijah Molden

Everything to know from Chargers’ win over Bengals

Here’s our recap of the Chargers’ thrilling win over the Bengals.

What. A. Game.

The Chargers outlasted the Bengals on Sunday night, improving to 7-3.

Here’s our recap of the Week 11 win.

It was over when…

J.K. Dobbins rushed for a 29-yard touchdown with 18 seconds remaining.

Notable number

According to ESPN’s Benjamin Solak, Justin Herbert now has 15 game-winning drives in his career. Only Patrick Mahomes and Kirk Cousins have more since 2020 when Herbert entered the league.

3 stars of the game

  1. QB Justin Herbert: Herbert was lights out in the first half. While he wasn’t nearly as sharp in the second half, Herbert made two big throws on the final drive to guide the team to victory.
  2. WR Ladd McConkey: McConkey finished with 123 yards on six catches, including two big receptions on the final possession to put the Chargers in Bengals territory.
  3. RB J.K. Dobbins: Dobbins had 11 carries for 56 yards and two rushing touchdowns, including the game-winner.

Quick hits

  • Herbert delivered dime after dime in the first half, completing 10 of 14 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns. But that same level of play didn’t carry over into the second half.
  • The Chargers could not move the ball and went three and out on half of their offensive possessions, all while the Bengals crept back to tie the game off of 21 unanswered points, led by Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins.
  • The Bengals had two opportunities in the fourth quarter to take the lead, but Evan McPherson missed his go-ahead field goal attempts from 48 and 51 yards.
  • In previous years, Los Angeles would have blown that type of game (it gave me flashbacks to the playoff loss to the Jaguars). But the defense made a big stop at the end, Herbert rallied the offense with two big throws to McConkey, and Dobbins delivered the knockout punch.
  • Herbert finished the game 17-of-36 passing for 297 yards, two touchdowns, and five carries for 65 yards. While he didn’t benefit from some dropped passes, there were a few instances of him missing receivers in the second half. Herbert also lost a fumble early in the fourth quarter.
  • For the first time this season, the Chargers’ defense gave up more than 20 points. They allowed the Bengals to convert on all three of their fourth-down attempts. Cincinnati totaled 452 yards.

What’s next?

The Chargers host the Ravens next Monday night, Nov. 25, at 5:15 pm PT.

Everything to know from Chargers’ win over Titans

Here’s our recap of the Chargers’ 27-17 win over the Titans.

The Chargers beat the Titans on Sunday afternoon, improving to 6-3.

Here’s our recap of the Week 10 win.

It was over when…

The Chargers scored their third touchdown in the fourth quarter to go up by 17 points.

Notable number

Of the Chargers’ six wins, five have come by double digits.

3 stars of the game

  1. QB Justin Herbert: Herbert only passed for 164 yards but still looked sharp in that department, finishing 14 of 18, with two going for over 30 yards and no turnovers. He also did an excellent job of using his legs when needed to pick up yards.
  2. RB Gus Edwards: Edwards returned to the field and was efficient on the ground after missing the last five games with an injury. He had 55 yards on ten carries.
  3. Defense: 7 sacks

Quick hits

  • Herbert failed to surpass 200 passing yards for the first time since Week 4. But he was still effective by navigating the pocket well, avoiding sacks, making crisp throws to his receivers, and continuing to take care of the football.
  • Herbert was also impressive as a runner, juking multiple Titans defenders, including former Chargers Kenneth Murray and Sebastian Joseph-Day.
  • The ground game came alive after taking a backseat the past few weeks, and Edwards provided the jolt as he averaged 5.5 yards per carry on ten attempts. J.K. Dobbins had 15 yards on 50 rushes.
  • Jesse Minter’s unit lived in the backfield and compiled seven sacks. Credit goes to Joey Bosa, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Bud Dupree for stepping up with Khalil Mack on the sideline for nearly the entire game.
  • Daiyan Henley led the way with 14 tackles.
  • Speaking of tackles, the Chargers struggled with missed tackles, which has been a slight issue on the defensive side of the ball this season. The Titans averaged 6.3 yards per carry.
  • Derius Davis provided the special teams spark with a 56-yard kickoff return.

What’s next?

The Chargers host the Bengals next Sunday night, Nov. 11, at 5:20 pm PT.

Everything to know from Chargers’ win over Browns

Here’s our recap of the Chargers’ 27-10 win over the Browns.

The Chargers beat the Browns on Sunday afternoon, improving to 5-3.

Here’s our recap of the Week 9 win.

It was over when…

The Chargers went up 20-3 right before the half. The offense was rolling, and the defense was stymying Jameis Winston and company. The defensive dominance carried over into the second half.

Notable number

According to NextGen Stats, Justin Herbert has reached 100+ passing yards on passes over ten air yards in three straight games since their Week 5 bye. He totaled just 145 yards on such attempts in Weeks 1-4.

3 stars of the game

  1. QB Justin Herbert: Herbert put together yet another strong performance, completing 18-of-27 passes for 282 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
  2. WR Quentin Johnston: Johnston led the team in receiving with 118 yards on four catches, including a 66-yard TD.
  3. Defense: 6 sacks, 3 interceptions

Quick hits

  • The Chargers defense pitched a near-shutout. Jesse Minter’s unit allowed a field goal before a garbage-time touchdown in the final minute. The Browns managed only 57 yards in the first half. They sacked Jameis Winston six times and picked him off three times.
  • The Chargers had the best scoring defense coming into the game, and they only improved as they gave up just 10 points.
  • Fifth-round pick Tarheeb Still played a vital role in the defense’s solid day. Still had an interception and two passes defended.
  • The interior pass rush hasn’t been effective this season, but they finally got a spark from Morgan Fox, who had two sacks.
  • The run defense was stout, limiting Nick Chubb to just 2.9 yards per carry.
  • Herbert posted his third straight total of over 275 passing yards and second consecutive contest of multiple passing touchdowns. He also didn’t throw an interception, marking his sixth straight game without a pick.
  • J.K. Dobbins had two rushing touchdowns, including a scamper for 34, but he was largely ineffective outside of that carry as he struggled to find running room.
  • The Chargers’ second-half offensive struggles popped up again. They only managed one first down on their first five drives.

What’s next?

The Chargers are back home to face the Titans next Sunday, Nov. 10, at 1:05 pm PT.

Chargers highlight: Tarheeb Still, Elijah Molden combine for the interception vs. Browns

That was Jameis Winston’s 100th career interception.

Elijah Molden has his third interception of the season.

The Chargers allowed the Browns to engineer a 14 play, 65 yard drive to open the second half as Cleveland grinded their way all the way to LA’s 5 yard line. On first and goal, a Jameis Winston slant to Cedric Tillman was dropped before a hard hit by linebacker Troy Dye, setting up second and goal.

With Tarheeb Still in the game for the injured Ja’Sir Taylor, who left with a fibula injury he’s been dealing with for the better part of the season, Winston looked his way. The fifth round rookie was lined up against Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland’s best receiver this season.

Jeudy ran a corner route as Winston tried to layer the ball over Still’s head, but the rookie got up and tipped the ball with one hand. The tip brought the ball back into the field of play with no other Browns players near it, allowing Molden to safely make the catch and get down for a touchback.

The interception widens Molden’s team lead in picks, as he is the only Chargers player with multiple interceptions on the season. It was also Winston’s 100th career interception.

https://x.com/chargers/status/1853164099909099748

Everything to know from Chargers’ win over Saints

Here’s our recap of the Chargers’ 26-8 win over the Saints.

The Chargers beat the Saints on Sunday afternoon, improving to 4-3.

Here’s our recap of the Week 8 win.

It was over when…

Ladd McConkey scored his second touchdown to extend the Chargers’ lead to 18.

Notable number

According to NextGen Stats, Joe Alt did not allow pressure on any of his 38 pass-blocking snaps against the Saints, tied for the most snaps without pressure allowed by a rookie tackle over the last three seasons.

3 stars of the game

  1. QB Justin Herbert: Herbert had a strong performance against the Cardinals last Monday night and carried that over to this weekend. Herbert finished 20 of 32 passing for 279 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 49 yards on the ground on four rushes, including one for a big 38-yard gain.
  2. WR Ladd McConkey: McConkey has shown flashes this season, but it was only a matter of time until he had a breakout game. That came on Sunday when he caught six passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns, including one for 60 yards.
  3. LB Daiyan Henley: Henley led the team in tackles (11) and had a pass deflection.

Quick hits

  • Herbert engineered a multitude of big plays through the air. On 10+ yard throws, he finished 7 of 11 for 195 yards and two touchdowns, highlighted by McConkey’s 60-yard scoring grab.
  • The Chargers had no problems finding the end zone after failing to score a touchdown since the second quarter of the Week 6 game against the Broncos.
  • Second-half scoring has been a problem this season. The Chargers hadn’t scored a touchdown in the third or fourth quarter since Week 1, but they ended that drought by scoring two in the second half. They were 2-of-3 in the red zone.
  • The offense had its fair share of struggles, however. The Chargers struggled to run the ball against a Saints defense that was bottom of the barrel in that department. They went 3-for-12 on third down. The pass protection was uneven.
  • The Chargers held the Saints to 2-for-14 on third down and prevented them from reaching double digits in scoring. But they still allowed 366 total yards, 117 of which came on the ground. Alvin Kamara had a few explosive plays, a product of Los Angeles’ handful of missed tackles in open space.
  • The Chargers did a much better job of generating pressure. They finished with five sacks and seven quarterback hits.
  • Special teams was sloppy early on. Josh Harris and JK Scott failed to connect on a punt snap, which resulted in a safety. Cameron Dicker also missed an extra point.

What’s next?

The Chargers are back on the road to face the Browns next Sunday, Nov. 3, at 11:00 am PT.

Chargers highlight: Elijah Molden picks off Bo Nix

Entering Sunday’s game, Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix had never thrown an interception.

Entering Sunday’s game, Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix had never thrown an interception.

The Chargers changed that on the first drive of the game.

Nix dropped back to pass on third on 8 after two one yard runs by running back Javonte Williams. He looked over the middle for receiver Marvin Mims, but put the ball high. Mims got a hand on it and tipped it into the air, with the ball floating into the arms of Chargers safety Elijah Molden.

Molden returned the pick 25 yards to the Broncos 31 yard line, setting Los Angeles up with great field position on their first offensive drive of the game.

It was Molden’s second interception of the season after he picked off Panthers quarterback Bryce Young in Week 2. The Chargers acquired Molden before the season from the Titans for a late-round pick in 2026.

https://twitter.com/chargers/status/1845558035277852795

Jim Harbaugh credits depth for Chargers’ Week 2 victory

The Chargers had 22 players take the field on defense.

The Chargers asserted their dominance in Week 2 with a 26-3 victory over the Panthers. Jim Harbaugh’s unit took control from the start, and once again, Justin Herbert didn’t have to do much through the air.

Once again, several guys stepped up to help the team improve to 2-0. Harbaugh spoke at length about the complete team effort and the overall depth of the squad.

“We had 22 players who played on defense. The rotations were really good. More importantly, anytime anybody went in, they played really well.”

As mentioned, 22 defensemen saw time on the field for the Chargers on Sunday. Multiple guys received game balls for their performances, and rightfully so. Most notably, Elijah Molden and Daiyan Henley were two of the defenders that delivered in a big way for Los Angeles.

Molden is the perfect example of the depth that Harbaugh mentions. He’s been with the team for less than a month and was able to snag a crucial interception along with six total tackles. Molden stepped in while Alohi Gilman was sidelined with an injury.

While the start to the season has been promising, the Chargers did face the worst team in the NFL on Sunday. They’ll face a stiffer challenge in Week 3 in a battle of two undefeated teams. The Chargers face Mike Tomlin and the Steelers in Week 3, which will really be a battle in the trenches.

We’ll see if defensive coordinator Jesse Minter can continue to use rotations in order to keep his guys fresh. The Steelers offense has scored just 31 points in their first two games, a large part in which has been due to their lack of playmakers. For Minter though, If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, and so far, it hasn’t been broke for the Chargers.

Chargers highlight: Elijah Molden intercepts Bryce Young

The Elijah Molden trade is already paying dividends.

The Elijah Molden trade is already paying dividends.

Los Angeles traded a 2026 7th rounder to Tennessee for Molden after roster cuts, adding a third safety with starting experience to the Chargers roster. With Alohi Gilman out with injury on Sunday, Molden stepped into a starting role next to Derwin James.

In the second quarter with the Chargers leading 13-0, Panthers quarterback Bryce Young dropped back to pass and tried to fit a pass over the middle to Diontae Johnson in double coverage. Linebacker Junior Colson dove to tip the pass but missed, but Young’s throw overshot Johnson and came directly to Molden, who crashed on the route and tumbled over Colson to give the Chargers the ball just behind midfield.

The pick quickly led to a JK Dobbins touchdown to give the Chargers a 20-0 lead with two minutes to go before halftime.

Molden’s interception is his first one since Week 12 last season against the Texans when he was a member of the Titans.

https://twitter.com/chargers/status/1835380094249968025

Chargers’ updated 53-man roster for the 2024 season

After cutting their roster to 53 players on Tuesday, the Chargers brought in three new players.

The Chargers set an initial 53-man roster on Tuesday, but that changed after the team made a few roster moves over the past couple of days.

Here is a look at the updated squad:

Offense

Quarterback (3): Justin Herbert, Taylor Heinicke, Easton Stick

Running back (4): Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins

Wide receiver (7): Josh Palmer, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, D.J. Chark, Derius Davis, Simi Fehoko, Brenden Rice

Tight end (3): Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst, Stone Smartt

Offensive line (9): Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Trey Pipkins, Joe Alt, Brenden Jaimes, Jamaree Salyer, Jordan McFadden, Foster Sarell

Defense

Edge rusher (4): Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree

Interior defensive line (6): Poona Ford, Morgan Fox, Teair Tart, Scott Matlock, Otito Ogbonnia, Justin Eboigbe

Linebacker (4): Denzel Perryman, Junior Colson, Daiyan Henley, Troy Dye

Cornerback (6): Asante Samuel Jr., Kristian Fulton, Ja’Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard, Tarheeb Still, Cam Hart

Safety (4): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, AJ Finley, Elijah Molden

Special teams

Specialists (3): K Cameron Dicker, P J.K. Scott, LS Josh Harris

What the trade for Elijah Molden means for the Chargers

Breaking down what the Elijah Molden trade means for the Chargers defense under coordinator Jesse Minter.

On Wednesday, the Chargers acquired defensive back Elijah Molden from the Titans, adding another versatile piece to the secondary.

Molden takes the spot vacated by JT Woods, who was waived on Wednesday after Los Angeles claimed Titans running back Hassan Haskins earlier in the day. A player like Molden is likely the ideal outcome the Chargers were hoping for when they moved Woods to corner midway through the preseason – the former Titan played almost the same amount of snaps in the box, at deep safety, and in the slot for Tennessee last season.

For Los Angeles, it also gives them four safeties they can truly rely on. Derwin James and Alohi Gilman have been penned in as the starters ever since Gilman re-signed with the team in March. AJ Finley took a massive step forward in training camp and earned the third safety job over Woods. But beyond that, the Chargers had Woods – who again, moved to corner – and veteran Tony Jefferson, who made the 53 off the back of a stellar performance in the preseason finale.

With Molden on the roster, they can now rotate James, Gilman, Finley, and Molden into different spots depending on matchups and disguises, a hallmark of the Jesse Minter defensive scheme. Molden’s experience as a starter – he started eight games for Tennessee last season – likely propels him into the third safety spot. That also has the consequence of pushing Finley back into a primarily special teams role, where he excelled in 2023. Los Angeles would have relied on Woods, who has struggled on special teams, in that role if the initial 53-man roster stuck.

But Finley has also played well enough to earn a role on defense, and it’s not out of the question that the Chargers could play three or even all four safeties together depending on the package. Dime packages could include Molden and James moving into the slot with Gilman and Finley as the deep safeties. James and Molden both can play in the slot, which will allow the defense to be much more multiple under Minter.

For as little as the Chargers gave up—NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that LA sent late-round draft compensation to the Titans—it may end up being a move that unlocks a new level of this defense.