Jim Harbaugh accepted responsibility for a failed fourth-down decision after the Los Angeles Chargers lost to the Denver Broncos 23–17 on Oct. 11. The Chargers led by seven points when they attempted a quarterback sneak from their own 41-yard line. Denver stopped Justin Herbert, took over and scored the tying touchdown five plays later.
A fourth-and-one call under scrutiny
The play came on fourth-and-one with 10:33 remaining in regulation. Harbaugh told the Chargers' website that he should have called a timeout and punted after seeing Denver's defensive alignment. He described the choice plainly, saying, "It was the wrong decision."
Herbert also took responsibility for failing to gain the needed yard. The turnover on downs gave Denver a short field rather than making the Broncos drive after a punt. Courtland Sutton's five-yard touchdown catch then brought the teams level at 17.
More than one mistake in the finish
The failed sneak did not account for every mistake in the loss. Herbert subsequently lost a fumble and threw an interception, and Denver turned those possessions into field goals. The Broncos' three official takeaways did not include the fourth-down stop, although that stop also produced a valuable change of possession.
Los Angeles had reached its seven-point lead through a strong third-quarter response. Hayden Rucci caught a touchdown pass, and Kimani Vidal followed with a 42-yard scoring run after a defensive takeaway. The fourth-quarter reversal left the Chargers 0–5 ahead of their next game in Kansas City.
CSB Take
Harbaugh's willingness to own the decision is useful, but the next step has to come on the field. The Chargers need to match their risk-taking to the game situation and execute the plays they choose. They also must protect the ball after setbacks, because the failed sneak became far more damaging when further giveaways followed.
