Elijah Molden shines in Chargers defense this season

Elijah Molden joined the Los Angeles Chargers after being acquired for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick on August 28. His versatility in the secondary was a key factor in the acquisition, and he quickly adapted to the team's defensive scheme, which shares similarities with the one he played in while with the Tennessee Titans. After just seven practices, Molden made his debut as a starting safety in a 26-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers, showcasing his skills with an interception and playing all 48 defensive snaps. Molden, a third-round pick in 2021, had previously started 16 of 33 games with the Titans but faced challenges in 2022 due to a groin injury. His transition to safety in 2023 has proven beneficial for the Chargers, especially with Alohi Gilman sidelined due to a knee injury. Molden's performance has validated the Chargers' decision to bring him on board, demonstrating his ability to contribute significantly to the team's defense. The Chargers' defense has excelled this season, allowing a league-low 13 points in their first two games against the Raiders and Panthers. They have also limited opponents to no completions over 10 air yards in the last game, highlighting their strong defensive strategy. The coaching staff has emphasized player rotation, which has allowed Molden and others to make impactful contributions. As Gilman returns to practice, Molden may shift back to a third safety role, but he is expected to continue seeing significant playing time. The upcoming matchup against the Steelers will test the Chargers' defensive strengths, particularly their ability to limit air yards per pass attempt, which has been a standout feature of their early-season performance.