Let's check General Hood's instructions to Lee. If memory serves, they say nothing about an attack. Hood sent Lee's Corps to prevent Sherman from reaching his rail connections west of Atlanta; nothing more.

Lee moved as directed, but as soon as contact was established, began committing his divisions one by one in an effort to drive the Federals from Ezra Church. Lee made no attempt to study the ground, determine the strength or intentions of the enemy, bring up his artillery, or develop a plan (or purpose) for attack. For that matter, I don't believe he reviewed his options with division commanders or attempted to communicate with General Hood. He just attacked.

Lee's actions at Tupelo MS (July 14, 1864) and Jonesboro GA (Aug. 31, 1864) were quite similar with equally disasterous results.