John Harbaugh captured bragging rights over his brother once more on Monday night, steering his Ravens to a 30-16 win over their cross-country foes, the Chargers.
The matchup was a rugged affair, with both Lamar Jackson (177 passing yards, 15 rushing yards, 3 total TDs) and Derrick Henry (140 rushing yards) authoring impressive showings for the 8-4 Ravens.
Justin Herbert and JK Dobbins appeared on the cusp of similarly productive performances, but Dobbins suffered a cruel fate, tweaking his knee toward the end of the first half. He was ruled out for the remainder of the duel, gutting perhaps the most effective element of Los Angeles' offense in the game's early stages.
MORE: JK Dobbins injury update | Gutsy 4th-down call pays off for Ravens
When the dust settled on the contest, there was plenty of fodder for onlookers to chew on. Did Jackson and Henry do enough to wrestle MVP talk back into their favor after strong outings by Saquon Barkley and Josh Allen in recent weeks? Was the Ravens' defense turning a new leaf? What was Dobbins' status going forward?
But when the Harbaughs embraced one final time beneath the glimmering SoFi Stadium lights, one query reigned supreme: Just what did they say to each other when the final whistle blew?
The Sporting News has your answer.
NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule
What did John and Jim Harbaugh say to one another?
Cameras caught the Harbaugh brothers expressing their love for one another beneath the SoFi Stadium glow. They were understandably complimentary of one another's coaching skills.
Brotherly hug. #BALvsLAC pic.twitter.com/y8IA5ltxFJ
— NFL (@NFL) November 26, 2024
"You're a great coach," John Harbaugh said.
Jim Harbaugh then proclaimed his love for his older brother. The brothers would soon be swept aside as personnel poured onto the field. When asked for insight on his interaction with his younger brother, John Harbaugh was adamant that there wasn't a better tactician than Jim.
"My brother Jim, the best coach in the National Football League," John Harbaugh said. "What he's done with that team and how hard they play..."
John Harbaugh called Jim Harbaugh the NFL's best coach with how he's turned around this Chargers team.
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) November 26, 2024
"These are just huge battles. Huge battles every week in this league."
By comparison, Jim Harbaugh was fairly reticent on the pulpit. He did offer compliments to his older brother's team and its ability to convert on third and fourth down, however.
"I thought they did a great job on third downs and fourth down," Jim Harbaugh said.
Perhaps it makes sense why Jim Harbaugh was a little less effusive than John. After all, he did fall on the wrong side of the "HarBowl," his third time in successive meetings that he has fallen short of his older sibling.
Before Monday's contest, Jim Harbaugh admitted that he would take great lengths to win, even when he faces off against his older brother.
"I'd lay down my life for my brother," Jim Harbaugh said. "But I would not let him live a football game. And he wouldn't it that way."
"I'd lay down my life for my brother, but I wouldn't let him win a football game." - Jim Harbaugh 😂
— NFL (@NFL) November 26, 2024
📺: #BALvsLAC on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/uiSSgEpPbx
Jim Harbaugh's second stint as an NFL boss has gone as well as one could hope thus far, but he still has a ways to go if he wants to outgun his elder brother. Monday night was simply further proof.
