Jim Harbaugh believes that a sign of a great team is when backup players step up when they are needed the most.
Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still did just that for the Los Angeles Chargers last week, and they will likely be relied on heavily again for Monday night’s game against Arizona.
The rookie cornerbacks are expected to start again due to injuries. Asante Samuel Jr. is on injured reserve because of a shoulder injury, and Kristian Fulton strained his hamstring during the third quarter of last Sunday’s 23-16 win against Denver.
Backup Ja’Sir Taylor has not played the last two games because of a leg injury. Deane Leonard, who mainly plays special teams, also hurt his hamstring in Denver.
Fulton, Taylor, and Leonard did not practice on Wednesday. Eli Apple was added to the practice squad, but it is unclear how long it will take him to get ready to play.
“You can see it brewing when that next guy steps up and plays to his best, sometimes it’s as good as the starter and when real magic starts happening,” Harbaugh said. “Guys understand that their opportunity is coming and they are preparing for it.”
Hart made his first NFL start in Denver in place of Samuel and played all 55 snaps. The Chargers began the game in nickel defense, with Still playing slot corner for the second game in a row, but he moved to an outside position after Fulton’s injury.
Hart and Still were both picked in the fifth round. Besides playing the same position, they were also roommates during training camp.
“I guess we just bounce off each other, motivation-wise, knowing we have something to prove,” Hart said. “We are good enough no matter where we were picked in the draft and just have to continue to keep showing that the rest of the season.”
Hart wasn’t targeted in coverage but managed to make three tackles against Denver. “He played really physical and covered well,” Harbaugh said.
Still has been on the field for an average of 44 snaps during his starts in the last two games. He made a solid pass breakup on a deep throw from Bo Nix intended for Marvin Mims Jr. in the first quarter.
“I felt more comfortable out there. I’m still adjusting, but the coaches have faith and confidence in me,” Still said.
The strong performances of Hart and Still add to what has been a successful draft class in Joe Hortiz’s first year as general manager.
Joe Alt, the fifth overall pick, has been a strong presence at right tackle, while wide receiver Ladd McConkey, whom the Chargers traded up to select in the second round, leads the team in receptions (19) and receiving yards (219).
Linebacker Junior Colson, a third-round pick, is averaging 24 snaps in the three games he has played, and running back Kimani Vidal (sixth-round) scored a touchdown on a 38-yard catch last week, marking his first touch in the NFL.
“I felt like all the rookies that came in were competitive. You don’t want to be too out of control or reckless, but you do want to be competitive and show the coaches that you want it,” Still said. “Some people’s chances came earlier than others, but everyone is going to get their opportunity.”
One of the main challenges for the defense, especially the secondary, will be containing Kyler Murray when he scrambles. The Chargers allowed six scrambles for 61 yards by Nix last week.
Murray ranks third among NFL quarterbacks in scramble yards, with 150 on 16 runs. “We know he’s going to be able to extend the play sometimes. So when that happens, just stay close to your guy, keep good coverage, and don’t lose sight of him,” Still said.
