It’s not often that a defense steps up, scores a touchdown, and clinches a victory, but that’s precisely what the Los Angeles Chargers accomplished on Sunday with a 17–13 win against the Atlanta Falcons.
The pivotal play didn’t come from a seasoned veteran; instead, it was made by a rookie. Specifically, fourth-round cornerback Tarheeb Still, who has proven to be a valuable pick for the Chargers in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Chargers CB Tarheeb Still is having an outstanding rookie season. Throughout this year, he has emerged as one of the most exciting young defensive backs in the NFL, earning an impressive overall Pro Football Focus grade of 82.9, which places him as the No. 4 rookie through Week 13.
In Week 13, Still delivered a standout performance, recording three combined tackles, tying his season high with three pass defenses, and making two interceptions, including a 61-yard pick-six. The Chargers’ strong pass coverage continually troubled Falcons QB Kirk Cousins, leading to four interceptions overall, with Still accounting for two, bringing his season total to three.
According to Next Gen Stats, Still has generated -31 expected points added (EPA) as the closest defender this season (via ESPN’s Seth Walder). He has tallied 36 combined tackles with just three missed tackles and eight pass defenses. When targeted in coverage, Still has allowed only 28 catches on 50 attempts (56.0%), totaling 315 yards, with two touchdowns and three interceptions.
Initially flying under the radar during the pre-draft process, Still found himself in an ideal situation with the Chargers. New defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has revitalized the unit and maximized the potential of several overlooked players, with Still being no exception. He has excelled this season as a rookie under Minter’s guidance, and his future in the league looks promising as he emerges as one of the Chargers’ most exciting young talents.
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