Ravens take down Chargers during Harbaugh brothers reunion

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh remained undefeated in the NFL’s historic sibling rivalry, defeating his brother Jim’s Los Angeles Chargers 30-23. He maintained his advantage over Jim with some bold checks and another dominant play from quarterback Lamar Jackson on Monday evening.

John Harbaugh improved to 3-0 against his younger brother, in part because Baltimore was 3-for-3 on fourth-down conversions – and all of those extended drives resulted in touchdowns. It was the first time John and Jim faced each other as head coaches since Super Bowl XLVII 11 years ago.

Jackson totaled three scores, running for one touchdown and throwing touchdown passes of 40 and 6 yards. In nine “Monday Night Football” games, Jackson threw 22 touchdown passes and no interceptions, the most consecutive passes without an interception in “Monday Night Football” history.

The Ravens (8-4) secured first place in the AFC North league in half a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3).

Baltimore Ravens (8-4)

Promising trend: Running back Derrick Henry continues to show that Baltimore is successful when passing him the ball. The Ravens are now 9-1 when Henry gets 15 or more carries. Henry gained 140 yards on 24 carries and became the second player to record over 100 rushing yards against the Chargers. However, this was the first time in 12 games that Henry did not reach the end zone. He just missed matching Hall of Famers LaDainian Tomlinson, Jerry Rice and John Riggins for the third-longest streak of scoring touchdowns in a season in NFL history.

Statistics that catch your eye: The Ravens took a risky gamble with 2:00 left in the first half against a tight end Mark Andrews he took a direct snap and pushed forward to convert a fourth-and-1 at the Baltimore 16-yard line. According to ESPN Research, no team has scored this deep in home territory in the first half of the fourth since the 2012 Rams, who did so on a fake punt. Four plays later, Jackson dug deeper and made contact Rashod Bateman for a 40-yard touchdown that gave the Ravens their first lead at 14-10. The 2012 Rams made this conversion against Jim Harbaugh’s San Francisco 49ers.

Describe the game in two words: Never panic. Trailing 10-0 early in the second quarter, Jackson led Baltimore to score on five straight runs, reaching the end zone four times. This came against a Chargers defense that ranked first in fewest points allowed (14.5) and had not allowed any team to score 30 points this season. The Ravens’ four wins after 10 losses this season are the most by any team in a full season since 2000. — Jamison Hensley

Next game: vs. Philadelphia Eagles (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS, Sunday)

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Los Angeles Chargers (7-4)

As the Chargers started the season 7-3, their inexperienced receiving corps faded into oblivion. Maligned first-round rookie Quentin Johnston he seemed to find his footing, leading the team with six touchdowns. Beginner receiver Ladd McConkey he became Justin Herbert’s top target and one of the best rookies in the league. Wide receiver Joshua Palmer was a constant safety valve for Herbert, he effectively caught key falls.

But on Monday night that changed. With the Chargers trailing by seven and at their own 34-yard line, Herbert spotted Johnston running down the field, but Johnston dropped the ball.

On the next drive, the Ravens come back Hill of Justice scored a 51-yard touchdown that effectively ended the game. It was an ending the Chargers became accustomed to last season, but was absent in the first 10 games this season.

A disturbing trend: The Chargers continued to struggle to score in the second half. Entering Monday night’s second half, they were averaging 8.2 points per game, the third-lowest mark in the NFL. Those struggles continued as the Ravens outscored them 16 to 3 in the second half before scoring late on a run Gus Edwards with 46 seconds left. “It’s something we’re chasing,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said of the second-half struggles.

Hole in the game plan: Stopping the run. The Chargers gained 212 rushing yards, the most in a game this season. For the first time in head coach Jim Harbaugh’s NFL career, his team allowed 200 yards rushing in a game.

Forecast for next week: Edwards has his first 100+ yard rushing game. Running back JK Dobbins He was a star on the Chargers’ defense this season, but missed Monday’s game with a left knee injury. If Dobbins doesn’t make it in time, that clears the way for Edwards to get most of the Chargers’ tackle against the Atlanta Falcons and play his best game of the season. –Kris Rhim

Next game: on Falcons (1 p.m. ET, CBS, Sunday)