Jim Harbaugh Avoids Responsibility for Chargers' Special Teams Issues
Special teams performance has been a notable weakness for the LA Chargers this season. This situation surprises many, considering special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken rejuvenated the group years ago and consistently kept it among the league's best.
Some problems can be attributed to unforeseen events. For instance, the Chargers lost their Pro Bowl-caliber long snapper to injury right before the season started, forcing them to sign a replacement who retired just two months later. Such circumstances were unpredictable and hard to prepare for.
Personnel Decisions and Prioritization
However, the Chargers do have control over their special teams personnel, and it appears that Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz have not prioritized this area when making decisions about the back-end roster. Although these choices might seem minor, they have a tangible impact on the team's performance.
Trade Deadline Controversy
After the trade deadline, the Chargers traded Ja'Sir Taylor, one of their key special teams players, for a 2028 seventh-round draft pick. When questioned about these moves, head coach Jim Harbaugh did not explain the strategy behind the team's decisions. Instead, he dismissed the question as being asked with ill intent.
"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 not only faced difficulties on special teams but have also exacerbated them through various roster choices.
Author's summary: Despite predictable and unexpected setbacks, leadership decisions have deepened the Chargers' special teams struggles rather than resolving them.