Harbaugh Blasts JK Scott Over 83-Yard Return, Says Chargers Punter Must Tackle

Q: Was Jim Harbaugh right to blast his only punter for avoiding a risky preseason tackle?

Yes — Harbaugh was justified in calling out the lack of effort, even if the setting was only preseason. On the play itself, Scott was not just the last line of defense; Harbaugh said the punt was “short and in the middle,” meaning Scott helped create the problem with poor placement and then did little to limit the damage. In that context, the coach’s criticism was less about demanding a reckless collision and more about expecting a punter to have “a plan” and make a real attempt. That matters because special teams are built on details and accountability. Harbaugh has consistently stressed that every rep in camp and preseason is part of evaluation, and an 83-yard return touchdown is exactly the kind of lapse coaches use to reinforce standards. The Chargers also were sloppy across the game, so his response fit a broader message about effort and execution. The counterargument is reasonable: Scott is the only punter on the roster, and losing him to an unnecessary preseason injury would create a problem. Teams often balance aggression with self-preservation for specialists. If Harbaugh had demanded a full-speed, high-risk tackle in August, that would be harder to defend. But that is not really what he said. He rejected the idea that Scott had been told to avoid contact and framed it as a coaching point: angle, approach, and willingness. Fairly read, Harbaugh was right to blast the non-attempt, not to insist on recklessness.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 21

Jim Harbaugh publicly rebuked Chargers punter JK Scott after Scott failed to try for a tackle on Jacob Cowing’s 83-yard punt return in Thursday night’s preseason blowout loss to San Francisco.
Harbaugh said the team has not told Scott to avoid contact, adding that when the punter is in position, “he’s got to plan ... to make a tackle” and that the lapse must be coached up.
The coach also criticized the kick itself, calling it “short and in the middle” and saying the coverage unit got outflanked, even though Scott’s punt traveled 52 yards.
Scott, who averaged 47.8 yards per punt last season and was the Chargers’ only punter on the roster, did not speak to reporters after the game as scrutiny over the play mounted.