Yes, Jim Harbaugh dialed up a pass for his punter on 4th down from his own 20

It miraculously almost worked.

Brett Davis-Imagn Images

If anyone questions how gutsy Jim Harbaugh can be, show them the clip of when he allowed punter J.K. Scott to throw a pass on 4th down at their own 20-yard line. The Los Angeles Chargers would end up beating the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, but this play could've been disastrous.

Here's the situation: two possessions earlier, Chargers rookie Tarheeb Still intercepted a Kirk Cousins pass and returned it 62 yards for a touchdown. That score put the Chargers up 17-10 in the third quarter. They would hold the Falcons to a field goal following that, now turning into a one-score game at 17-13.

The Chargers got the ball back and went three and out, but without conflict. Scott would throw a pass on 4th and four to Stone Smartt, who was tackled just short of the first down marker.

Good Coach Jim Harbaugh just let his punter throw a pass from his own 20. This sport is insane. pic.twitter.com/oC6l8Ee2Tq

— Joshua Brisco (@jbbrisco) December 1, 2024

This could have been extremely bad, but luckily the Chargers defense came up with another interception 10 plays later. Marcus Maye, who was signed a few days earlier, picked off a deep attempt intended for Drake London.

Harbaugh took a risk and almost came away with the reward.

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