In a highly anticipated Week 12 Monday Night Football showdown, dubbed the “Harbaugh Bowl,” the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 30-23, extending head coach John Harbaugh’s record to 3-0 against his brother, Jim Harbaugh. The game marked the first meeting between the Harbaugh brothers since Super Bowl XLVII in February 2013, when John’s Ravens edged Jim’s San Francisco 49ers.
Jim Harbaugh, who returned to the NFL this season after nine successful years at Michigan, where he captured a national title, saw his Chargers’ four-game winning streak snapped as they fell to 7-4. Meanwhile, the Ravens improved to 8-4 and continued their push for a top playoff seed.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson once again proved why he’s the league leader in total yards. Jackson accounted for three touchdowns, throwing two and running for another, as Baltimore erased an early 10-0 deficit.
Jackson finished the game completing 16 of 22 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns while adding 17 yards on the ground. His 10-yard touchdown run in the second quarter jumpstarted the Ravens’ offense, cutting the Chargers’ lead to 10-7.
On Baltimore’s next possession, Jackson delivered a 40-yard strike to Rashod Bateman, who made an impressive contested catch in the end zone to give the Ravens their first lead at 14-10. Later, Jackson connected with tight end Mark Andrews for a 6-yard touchdown in the third quarter, extending Baltimore’s advantage to 23-16.
Baltimore’s rushing attack was in full force, led by Derrick Henry and Justice Hill. Although Henry didn’t find the end zone for the first time this season, he was a workhorse, racking up 140 yards on 24 carries.
Justice Hill delivered the knockout blow midway through the fourth quarter with a 51-yard touchdown run on third-and-3, putting the Ravens up 30-16. Hill’s electrifying sprint capped an evening where Baltimore rushed for 212 yards and controlled the game’s tempo.
The Ravens’ defense delivered a strong performance, holding the Chargers’ offense to just 285 total yards and forcing Los Angeles to go 54 minutes between touchdowns.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert opened the game with a 5-yard touchdown run, giving Los Angeles an early 7-0 lead. Herbert completed 21 of 36 passes for 218 yards, but the absence of running back J.K. Dobbins, who exited in the second quarter with a knee injury, put extra pressure on the passing game.
The Chargers managed just one more touchdown, a 1-yard run by Gus Edwards with 45 seconds left in the game, which brought them within seven points. However, Baltimore recovered the ensuing onside kick to seal the victory.
John Harbaugh’s aggressive play-calling was a critical factor in the win. The Ravens converted three fourth downs, including a gutsy direct snap to Mark Andrews on fourth-and-1 from their own 16-yard line late in the second quarter. The conversion sparked a go-ahead drive that culminated in Jackson’s deep touchdown pass to Bateman.
Baltimore’s ability to sustain drives and control the clock was pivotal. The Ravens outgained the Chargers 389-285 and scored on five consecutive drives after falling behind 10-0.
The victory reinforces Baltimore’s position as a top contender in the AFC, while the Chargers face questions about their ability to sustain momentum in the playoff race.
For the Harbaugh brothers, this game adds another chapter to their storied rivalry, with John holding bragging rights for now.
“We always want to win, but going against Jim makes it a little more special,” John Harbaugh said postgame. “He’s a great coach, and that’s a great team over there. But tonight, we did what we had to do.”
Jim Harbaugh, while disappointed, praised his team’s effort. “It’s tough to lose a game like this, but credit to Baltimore. They played a complete game. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”
With the Ravens surging and the Chargers regrouping, both teams remain squarely in the playoff hunt, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 NFL season. Ravens host Philadelphia on Sunday. Chargers are at Atlanta on Sunday.
