Jim Harbaugh criticized for Chargers’ bizarre fake punt decision

Harbaugh’s decision put a great deal of pressure on the Charger defense. Many questioned why he would make that decision when his team already had a four-point lead in the fourth quarter, especially since the defense had been playing well all day. It also seemed to be an out-of-character moment for Harbaugh, who is rarely that aggressive.

Perhaps Harbaugh was just very confident in his defense. If so, his confidence was not misplaced, as defensive back Marcus Maye intercepted a pass in the end zone to keep the Falcons from taking advantage of their great field position. Plus, another team ran a successful fake in a similar situation last week. Had the Chargers done the same, Harbaugh would be winning praise for how gutsy he was.