Jim Harbaugh calls Giants' comments on Justin Smith 'outrageous, irrational'

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh stepped up to defend DE Justin Smith's play Friday afternoon one day after New York Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride publicly criticized his pass rush technique.

Gilbride shared with the New York media Thursday that he feels Smith "gets away with murder" when it comes to holding the opposing offensive linemen. Here's what Harbaugh had to say in response to the allegation:

"Kevin Gilbride's outrageous, irrational statement regarding Justin Smith's play is, first, an absurd analogy. Second, it is an incendiary comment targeting one of the truly exemplary players in this league. It's obvious that the Giants coaching staff's sole purpose is to use their high visibility to both criticize and influence officiating."

Harbaugh has always had a bit of a short fuse, but it's still surprising to get such a critical public reaction from him in retaliation. Obviously we won't know how the referees will react to this war of words, though, until Sunday afternoon.