83 yards. That is the distance Jacob Cowing traveled on a punt return touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during their preseason blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers late Thursday night. Chargers punter JK Scott had position to make the tackle and did not attempt it, drawing sharp postgame criticism from coach Jim Harbaugh.
Harbaugh was already dealing with a difficult postgame when the subject of the return came up. His mood did not improve. The play began with a 52-yard Scott punt that apparently outkicked the Chargers' coverage, giving Cowing space to build speed before the coverage team could close. Scott had an angle on the returner at some point along those 83 yards. He did not use it. Harbaugh's read added a second layer: "The punt was short and in the middle and we got outflanked," he said, attributing part of the problem to placement before arriving at the effort question.
Harbaugh on tackle responsibility
Reporters asked Harbaugh whether the coaching staff had instructed Scott to stand down on returns and protect himself from injury risk. The question had grounding. Scott is the only punter on the Los Angeles roster, and a punter injured in a preseason game leaves the position unmanned. Harbaugh rejected the premise. "No, he's got to plan, when he's in that position, to make a tackle," he said, tight-lipped. "So, we need to work on it, coach it up."
His account does not describe a tackle attempt that failed. It describes a player who made no attempt. That distinction is what put Harbaugh in the position he was in after the game, and it is the reason the Chargers are expected to incorporate tackle drills into practice in direct response.
Scott finished last season 10th in the NFL with a 47.8 punt average. His production at the position is not in question. The stated issue is narrower: whether a punter with position on a returner is obligated to contest the play. Harbaugh's answer, offered in front of reporters, is yes. Scott did not speak after the game.