The LA Chargers were able to score a field goal before halftime in order to cut the Broncos two possession lead to just one score. This took place on a 57-yard Cameron Dicker free place kick field goal. A timeout call, a Denver penalty, and Dicker’s brilliance all contributed to what ended up being a huge break for the Chargers.
HC Jim Harbaugh was asked about it postgame. When the topic was first broached, Harbaugh loudly shouted, “Let’s talk about that! Cam Dicker on the free kick!”.
“It’s my favorite rule in football” Harbaugh explained. “And just been trying to get one of those every game.”
The Chargers’ head coach said he also attempted a 71-yard place kick field goal attempt when he was with the 49ers. Admitting that the kick might have been out of SF kicker Phil Dawson’s range, Harbaugh said that he still wanted to try it.
“Cam Dicker stepped up and nailed it,” Harbaugh continued. “And I thought that was a huge good momentum-you know, got the momentum back at halftime, coming out.”
Harbaugh indicated that “situational sensei” special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken was aware of the plan the whole time.
By contrast, quarterback Justin Herbert says he was unsure of the specifics of what had happened. Herbert said he was prepared to throw a Hail Mary before what eventually folded. While he knew the place kick rule, it still hadn’t set in with him as it was playing out in real-time.
Most fans didn’t suite seem to understand the depths of the rule to the degree Harbaugh did. In a year where Harbaugh has arguably been outmatched on timeouts and other coaching decisions, it was nice to see him pull some points through at the expense of Sean Payton and Denver’s special teams.
The Chargers will get time to rest after a big Thursday Night win before heading to New England next Saturday.