After a tough loss in Pittsburgh last week, the Baltimore Ravens head west to take on the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night. The two clubs are firmly entrenched in the AFC playoff picture, but a win on Monday will help them stay in the tiebreaker. The Ravens’ electric offense slowed last week in an 18-16 loss to the Steelers, with Derrick Henry held to just 65 yards and Lamar Jackson having his worst day of the season. They might be able to get back on track against a Chargers defense that allowed 452 yards to the Bengals last week — much of it as part of a second-half comeback that just didn’t work out.
Los Angeles is looking to build on a close win in which they blew a 21-point lead, only to score late and survive. Justin Herbert threw for 297 yards and two touchdowns last week, while rookie Ladd McConkey had his second NFL 100-yard game and could be the top target again this week. Star pass rusher Khalil Mack, who missed last week’s game with a groin injury, was listed as questionable heading into Week 12.
With Jim Harbaugh returning to the NFL sidelines this year, he will face his brother John on the opposing team for the first time since the Ravens defeated the 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII in 2013.
John Harbaugh’s gamble did not go unanswered. The Chargers answered Baltimore’s stunning touchdown drive with a 22-yard, four-play drive in the final 24 seconds of the first half. Cameron Dicker returned the favor with a 52-yard field goal to cut Baltimore’s lead to 14-13 at halftime.
So far, HarBowl lives up to its billing. Brave, aggressive game and strong performance by both teams.
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The Ravens gamble pays off with a lead before halftime
A big gamble pays off big for the Ravens. Instead of punting, Baltimore went for it and got it on fourth-and-1 from their own 16-yard line after the 2-minute warning in the first half. Five plays later, Lamar Jackson hit Rashod Bateman in a tight window for a 40-yard touchdown to take a 14–10 lead for Baltimore.
John Harbaugh’s gamble pays off big against his little brother.
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The Ravens are going for it within their 20s
The Ravens made a big roll of the dice and got a first down on 4th and 1 from their 16 at the 2-minute warning. A direct hit to tight end Mark Andrews results in a 2-yard gain and a first down, and the Ravens don’t give the ball back to the Chargers.
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The Chargers punt again
The Chargers punt again after stalling at midfield and pinning the Ravens deep in their own territory. Baltimore will start at its own 7-yard line and look to score before halftime with 3:54 remaining.
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Derrick Henry sets up Lamar Jackson for a TD
Derrick Henry ripped through Chargers defenders for 33 yards on two runs on Baltimore’s first two plays of the second quarter. In the red zone, Lamar Jackson ran it on his own for a 10-yard keeper for a touchdown to get the Ravens on the board. Baltimore’s 1-2 shot to perfection and the Ravens cut the Chargers’ lead to 10-7 midway through the second quarter.
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The Chargers extended their lead to 10-0
The Chargers went for it on fourth-and-1 at the Baltimore 30 and converted, but did not gain another first down. A 9-play, 40-yard drive ends with a 42-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker. The Chargers extended their lead to 10-0 early in the second quarter.
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The Ravens punt again
The Ravens were unable to get a first down on their second possession and had yet to get to midfield. They play after 3-and-out.
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Chargers will go after stopping driving
The Chargers did not score on their second drive. They converted a third-and-13 deep in their own territory, but punted after failing to convert on a third-and-5 before reaching midfield. The Chargers lead 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.
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The penalty stops the Ravens’ opening drive
The Ravens were driving on their opening possession before a penalty halted it. A leg whip to fullback Patrick Ricardo negated a 17-yard gain to the Chargers’ 43-yard line. Instead of a first-and-10 in Chargers territory, the Ravens faced a first-and-25 in their own and didn’t get another first down before punting.
The penalty was marginal at best:
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The Chargers attack first with a precise opening drive
Jim Harbaugh couldn’t have asked for a better start. The Chargers went on a nine-play, 70-yard drive on their first possession that ended with Justin Herbert’s touchdown on second-and-goal. Seven runs, two touchdown passes and no third downs and the Chargers are up 7-0 early.
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Game on: Chargers have the ball first
The Chargers get the kickoff and after the touchback, they start the game on offense. “Monday Night Football” is underway.
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John Harbaugh on coaching against Jim
Ravens coach John Harbaugh spoke to ESPN about coaching against his brother.
“He’s a great coach, a great person, a great leader. And he has a great football team. So it complicates everything.”
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Jim Harbaugh: “I wouldn’t allow it [John] win a football match
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh talked about coaching against his brother John in a sideline interview with ESPN just before kickoff:
“I love my brother,” Harbaugh said, “I would lay down my life for my brother. But I wouldn’t let him win a football game. And he wouldn’t want it that way.’
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The Harbaugh brothers meet in a preseason game
It’s all the hugs between John and Jim Harbaugh in their pregame huddle during warmups.
The inactive Ravens are in and Pro Bowl linebacker Roquan Smith will be sidelined with a hamstring injury. The Ravens will take on a rejuvenated Chargers offense without their leading tackler.
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