The Chargers got out-Harbaugh’d in a 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
The game began as everyone expected. Both teams played tough, with the Chargers getting ahead on their first drive. The possession was carried out to perfection by the Bolts’ offense, and Justin Herbert was the one to put it in for six. Cameron Dicker was the next to score, giving the Chargers a 10-0 lead. However, the Ravens quickly answered with a touchdown drive of their own. Lamar Jackson ran it in himself after a Derrick Henry touchdown got called back. The Ravens then went down on the biggest drive of the game, climaxing with a deep ball from Lamar Jackson to Rashod Bateman. Bateman fought through pass interference from Chargers CB Kristian Fulton for the game-changing play. The Chargers drove it down for a field goal at the end of the half, making it a 14-13 game favoring Baltimore.
The Ravens started the second half with a field goal, and the Chargers answered with one of their own. Baltimore began to pull away after a big drive, with Mark Andrews catching the touchdown from Jackson. On Baltimore’s next drive, Justice Hill delivered the kill shot. A 51-yard rushing touchdown from the backup RB put the Ravens up 30-16, and it seemed like an impossible game for the Chargers from there. In the last minute, Justin Herbert drove the Chargers downfield with Gus Edwards putting it in for a touchdown did make it a one-score game, but the only thing that changed was the stat sheet as they still ended up losing 30-23.
The story of the game was without a doubt the multiple fourth-down conversions from the Ravens. These plays changed the momentum, with one being a run from Mark Andrews, and a few from Derrick Henry. If John Harbaugh doesn’t go for these, this is a completely different ball game. However, each set of downs was essentially 1st and 9, with each fourth down being given (and no, that doesn’t refer to a Philly tush push). The other big play was Bateman’s touchdown, which completely shifted the mood in SoFi Stadium.
Once again, John Harbaugh big-brothered Jim as he advances to 3-0 against his younger counterpart. These two brothers coach a similar brand of football: hard-nosed, run-dominant offense and physical defense. The Chargers’ run defense – considered elite heading into week 12 – couldn’t stop Derrick Henry and Baltimore. King Henry put up another big stat line with 140 yards on 5.8 yards per carry. This run defense has been waiting to be done like this for weeks, and it’s finally happened. Not that the Chargers’ front line is bad, but they haven’t stopped the run the way most would think from looking at their rankings. They have allowed over 5 yards per carry to other RBs until now like Kareem Hunt and Tony Pollard, but Todd Monken and the Ravens’ offense were the first ones to take advantage of it. Of course, it is important to note that the unit is still vastly better than in years past, and Harbaugh is running older veterans in the interior line.
Another storyline worth watching is the injuries for the Bolts. JK Dobbins left early on with a knee injury and did not return Monday Night. Standout rookie CB Cam Hart missed this one with a concussion/ankle injury, and one of his replacements Eli Apple left the game as well. This was important as the guy who has been their top CB all season – Kristian Fulton – made mistakes all night. Pass interferences, blown coverages, and more gave the Baltimore offense opportunities at every turn to make big gains.
The Chargers now set their sights on the Atlanta Falcons in week 13. At 7-4, it is a must-win for the Chargers. The Chiefs game will be a tough one, with it being hard to pick the Bolts to take down the back-to-back champs who seem to win no matter what. Assuming that is a loss, they have to win three out of four against the Broncos, Patriots, Raiders, and the previously mentioned Falcons. Since Atlanta has seemed mediocre over the past couple of weeks, that is their opportunity to strengthen their postseason chances more. Once again, however, this was still supposed to be a rebuilding year. This is not yet a Jim Harbaugh football team, and they are still in a Wild Card spot. Once Harbaugh can fill this roster with guys that fit his style of play, he’ll take his team as far as he wants.