Monday Night Football featured a battle between brothers Jim and John Harbaugh, the head coaches of the Los Angeles Chargers and Baltimore Ravens, respectively.
Prior to halftime, the Ravens were trying to keep their drive alive and move down the field to get some points on the board. In order to do so, Harbaugh had to make an incredibly gutsy decision. On fourth-and-1 on their own 16-yard line, Baltimore's coach bravely opted to keep his offense on the field and go for it.
Obviously, a failure to pick up the first down would be catastrophic, setting his brother Jim's team up with outstanding field position and a chance to extend their lead.
Amplifying the situation even further was John's decision to run a direct snap to tight end Mark Andrews, rather than give the ball to one of his elite playmakers in Lamar Jackson or Derrick Henry.
Ultimately, Andrews was able to pick up the one yard by going over the top of the line, but it was certainly a high-risk call from John. The Ravens' offense made the gamble well worth their while, as they were able to score a few plays later after a tremendous throw and catch between Jackson and Rashod Bateman.
LAMAR GOES 40 YARDS DEEP TO BATEMAN.
— NFL (@NFL) November 26, 2024
Ravens take the lead before half!
📺: #BALvsLAC on ESPN/ABC
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Fans on social media had plenty of praise for John after the bold decision to keep his offense on the field from deep in his own territory.
What a ballsyyyy move by John Harbaugh… I love it. #FindAWay
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) November 26, 2024
John Harbaugh going for it on his own 16 yard line against his brother is an all time disrespectfully respectful move
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) November 26, 2024
Low-key, even-keel, meat-and-potatoes John Harbaugh just did something completely out of character - and it paid off.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) November 26, 2024
The Harbaughs are just playing a game of Madden by going for it backed up on their own 20
— Will Compton (@_willcompton) November 26, 2024
What a DRIVE by John Harbaugh.
— Ben Houselog (@benlikessport) November 26, 2024
Stones.
John Harbaugh loves to go bold when he's coaching against little brother.
— Childs Walker (@ChildsWalker) November 26, 2024
Gusty call by John Harbaugh to go for it on fourth down from his own 16. Ravens convert.
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) November 26, 2024
Thanks to the call from John, his Ravens headed to halftime with a 14–13 lead.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Fans Were Impressed by John Harbaugh's Gutsy Call That Led to Ravens TD Before Halftime.
