83 Yards and a ‘Weak’ Tackle: Jim Harbaugh Is Fuming About His Punter

Jim Harbaugh is not holding back, folks! The Chargers head coach was absolutely steamed after punter JK Scott’s performance led to an 83-yard punt return touchdown from San Francisco’s Jacob Cowing during Thursday night’s preseason action. Harbaugh made it crystal clear: he was not happy with Scott, and honestly, who could blame him?

That Punt Was “Short and In the Middle”

You know a coach is frustrated when he’s got to break down punt placement after an 83-yard house call. Harbaugh didn’t mince words, explaining exactly what went wrong on Cowing’s electric return. The coach called Scott’s punt “short and in the middle,” which is pretty much the worst place you can put it when you’re trying to stop a dangerous returner. After that, Harbaugh said they “got out-flanked.” When your coach is pointing out those kinds of fundamental errors, you know it’s a big deal. That kind of mistake gives opposing teams way too much life.

“He’s Got to Have a Plan” For Tackling

But the punt itself wasn’t the only issue. Scott’s attempt at tackling Cowing was apparently so weak that Harbaugh was directly asked after the game if punters were instructed *not* to tackle in preseason games to avoid injury. Can you believe it? The idea that a punter might not even try was out there! Harbaugh shut that down instantly. “No, he’s got to have a plan when he’s in that position to make the tackle,” the coach stated. He wasn’t done either, adding that it’s “Something we need to work on, coach up.” You can just hear the exasperation there. A punter not having a plan for a tackle is a massive problem Harbaugh isn’t going to ignore.

Look, Scott is the only punter on the Chargers’ roster right now, so it doesn’t look like he’s fighting for his job. But make no mistake, Harbaugh’s message is loud and clear: Scott needs to be better, like, immediately. This early in the season, you gotta get the fundamentals right.

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Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.