Jim Harbaugh refuses to take accountability for huge Chargers shortcoming

Jim Harbaugh Avoids Accountability for Chargers' Special Teams Issues

Jim Harbaugh missed the chance to acknowledge the LA Chargers' special teams struggles this season. Despite special teams usually being a strong suit under coordinator Ryan Ficken, who revitalized the unit years ago and kept it among the league's best, problems have emerged.

Some difficulties were due to unforeseen events, such as the injury to the Chargers' Pro Bowl-caliber long snapper right before the season. This forced the team to sign a replacement who retired after two months, an unpredictable setback.

Personnel Decisions and Prioritization

However, the Chargers do have control over their special teams personnel. For unclear reasons, head coach Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz appear to have deprioritized special teams when making late roster decisions. Although these choices seem minor, they have significant consequences.

Trading Key Players

After the trade deadline on Wednesday, the Chargers traded one of their key special teams contributors, Ja'Sir Taylor, for a 2028 seventh-round draft pick. When asked about this, Harbaugh did not explain the team's approach but instead responded by deflecting the question as ill-intended.

“It would be one thing if the Chargers were struggling on special teams with a unit they believed in. This is a different situation.”

The Chargers have worsened their special teams issues through these roster moves rather than addressing the underlying problems.

Conclusion

The lack of ownership in addressing special teams' shortcomings highlights a concerning approach in managing a critical aspect of the Chargers' game.

Author's summary: Jim Harbaugh's reluctance to address the Chargers' special teams deficiencies, compounded by questionable roster decisions, has deepened the team's struggles in this crucial phase of the game.

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Bolt Beat Bolt Beat — 2025-11-06

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