- Mark Andrews’ QB sneak sparks a 93-yard rally for Baltimore.
- Ravens solidify playoff position with 30-23 win over Chargers.
Ravens Overcome Early Deficit, Edge Chargers in Harbaugh Sibling Showdown
The Baltimore Ravens secured a thrilling 30-23 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in the third installment of the “Harbowl,” as head coach John Harbaugh’s daring call and a dominant ground game outshone brother Jim Harbaugh’s squad.
Facing a fourth-and-1 at their own 16-yard line with two minutes remaining in the first half, John Harbaugh dialed up a bold play: tight end Mark Andrews lined up at quarterback and converted the sneak for a critical 2-yard gain. The decision sparked an eight-play, 93-yard drive capped by Lamar Jackson’s 40-yard touchdown pass to Rashod Bateman, flipping the momentum and the lead in Baltimore’s favor.
“The downside is giving them the ball at the 16-yard line,” John Harbaugh admitted postgame. “But I believed in Mark, Tyler [Linderbaum], and our offensive line to get it done, and they did. That drive was a turning point in the game.”
Chargers Start Strong, Ravens Respond
The Chargers jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter, but Baltimore clawed back. Jackson dazzled with a 10-yard touchdown run midway through the second quarter, and Andrews’ clutch sneak set the stage for Bateman’s spectacular scoring catch despite a pass interference penalty on Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton.
Baltimore never relinquished its 14-10 lead, leaning on its relentless rushing attack, which piled up 212 yards on the ground. Derrick Henry led the charge with 140 yards, supported by Justice Hill’s 55 yards, Jackson’s 15, and Andrews’ pivotal 2.
“That conversion was huge,” Jackson said. “We started slow but got stronger as the game progressed. Mark’s play gave us the spark we needed.”
Harbaugh Family Affair
The win marked John Harbaugh’s third straight victory against his brother in head-to-head matchups, though the two remained gracious postgame.
“I told him, ‘You’re a great coach with a great team. I love you,’” John said.
Jim Harbaugh, while lamenting the loss, acknowledged the unique experience of competing against his sibling on football’s grand stage.
“It’s cool to be at this level in such competitive environments,” Jim said. “But tonight, they played better football.”
Looking Ahead
The Ravens’ victory bolsters their playoff positioning, while the Chargers face an uphill battle to secure a postseason berth. However, the game will likely be remembered for the bold call that tilted the scales in Baltimore’s favor and added another chapter to the Harbaugh rivalry.
As Mark Andrews put it: “For us to have Coach Harbaugh’s back and get this win is really cool.”
