How John Harbaugh tricked Jim Schwartz on the game-winning field goal

There’s often a fine line between brilliance and stupidity, a fine line between stunning victory and devastating loss. Ravens coach John Harbaugh danced all over that line last night and tricked Jim Schwartz in the process.

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With 1:17 left, the Ravens trailed 16-15. They were at the 44-yard line. They had one timeout left. What followed next was nothing short of an Academy Award.

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Harbaugh kept his offense on the field as precious seconds ticked away. He pretended to be confused. His partner in crime, Joe Flacco, also feigned bewilderment.

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The Lions had three timeouts. They needed to stop the clock. They needed to protect themselves should the Ravens make a long field goal. Jim Schwartz was utterly confused.

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You see, Harbaugh planned on kicking the field goal all along. He planned it before third down. He let time wind down before calling his final timeout.

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He admitted as much in the post game

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The rest, they say, is history. Justin Tucker went on to kick a 61-yard field goal. Yes, John Harbaugh played for a 60+ yard field goal on the road. Again, fine line between brilliance and stupidity.

Instead of the Lions getting the ball back with 1:13 left and 2 timeouts, they got it with :38 and 3 timeouts. A huge, huge difference. A game-changing difference. A difference that may very well cost Jim Schwartz his job.