The Baltimore Ravens traveled across the country to take on the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football. Head Coach John Harbaugh is very familiar with the opposing coach being his brother, Jim Harbaugh. This game would mark the third time these two brothers have coached head-to-head in an NFL game. The first two when Jim was the Head Coach of the San Francisco 49ers.
The biggest game these two future Hall of Fame coaches went against each other was obviously Super Bowl 47 in 2013. John was still the coach of the Ravens then and with veteran leaders like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed on his defense were able to contain the upcoming star quarterback for the 49ers, Colin Kaepernick. Famously, this was the Super Bowl the lights went out on down in New Orleans, but at the end of the day Baltimore along with John Harbaugh stood as champions 34-31.
Baltimore Ravens Win For Coach Harbaugh
The stage was set for this sibling rivalry rematch in prime time on Monday night. With both the Ravens (7-4) and the Chargers (7-3) in playoff contention this game would help shape the AFC playoff picture. Los Angeles would strike first with superstar quarterback Justin Herbert scrambling in for a five-yard touchdown.
Mid-way through the second quarter the Chargers held a 10-0 lead, until MVP front runner Lamar Jackson showed the world who the real versatile threat really was. Jackson would run for a 10-yard touchdown to cut into the lead. Then with under a minute to go in the first half, Jackson would hit Rashod Bateman for a 40-yard touchdown reception to take the lead. After Los Angeles would add a field goal, Baltimore led at halftime 14-13.
However, the biggest loss in the first half for the Chargers was that of running back JK Dobbins. The former Raven himself plagued with injuries since entering the league out of Ohio State, would yet again go down with a knee injury. It is believed to not be a serious injury at this time and Dobbins is expected back with the team this season.
The third quarter came and went with the teams trading a pair of field goals. But early in the fourth quarter, Jackson would hit his reliable tight end Mark Andrews for a 6-yard touchdown, creating some separation. Following that, running back Justice Hill would break free for a 51-yard touchdown scamper to extend Baltimore’s lead. Starting running back Derrick Henry tallied 24 carries for 140 yards but did not reach the endzone on Monday night.
One Harbaugh Left Standing
The Chargers would add a late game touchdown to make the score appear closer than it should have been. But John Harbaugh and the Ravens would claim their eighth win of the year 30-23. After getting this win John improves to 3-0 against his brother Jim.
Both brothers have achieved success in their career though. John as mentioned has won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens in 2013. Jim Harbaugh won the National Championship with the Michigan Wolverines just last year at the college level. While both coaches have enjoyed continuous success, it’s always a good time to watch their teams face off against each other. With both teams on appearing to be on their way to the playoffs, they could meet again in the post season.
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