Jim Harbaugh became the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers earlier this year, marking his return to the NFL after nine years with Michigan. Harbaugh has quickly turned around the Chargers’ franchise and proved why he is regarded as one of the best head coaches in football.
The Chargers are 7-3 on the season and will face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 12. This will be a matchup between the Harbaugh brothers, as Jim will go against his older brother, John Harbaugh.
Jim Harbaugh Shares His Thoughts on Matchup vs. John Harbaugh
The Chargers head coach recently appeared on “The Rich Eisen Show” and was asked about his views of the upcoming matchup against his brother. Harbaugh was in full admiration of the Ravens and their head coach.
“It’s respect; it’s love, and nobody could have a better brother than I do,” Harbaugh said. “He’s the toughest competitor I know, and he just really pulls it out of you. Watching the tape of the Ravens team, I followed closely for years but really diving into it, down after down, play after play, I mean, the toughness, the physicality … everything is just so tight with this football team.”
“The talent that they have, that’s Justin Herbert or Lamar Jackson … nobody is more competitive or more talented than those two players. And then, down throughout the roster, it’s kind of what we’re driving for. When you watch the Ravens or watch our team, we hope to be looking in the mirror. That’s how much respect we have for the Baltimore Ravens.”
The Harbaugh brothers have faced each other twice in the NFL as head coaches. First, they went against each other in 2011 during the regular season and later in Super Bowl 47. The elder Harbaugh brother, John, came away with wins on both occasions.
On paper, the Ravens are a better team than the Chargers, but based on how both teams have played this season, either of them can win in Week 12.
Chargers vs. Ravens: Previewing the Week 12 MNF Matchup
The Chargers come into this game on the back of a big 34-27 win against the Cincinnati Bengals and are currently on a four-game winning streak. On the other hand, the Ravens lost 18-16 to the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, with MVP candidate Jackson having his worst game of the season.
Los Angeles has the league’s best scoring defense and will be up against a prolific Ravens offense, which can be considered the best in the league. Baltimore leads the league in total yards per game and is in the top three in passing yards per game, rushing yards per game, and points per game.
The Harbaugh brothers are known for coaching physically tough teams, and this Week 12 matchup promises to be entertaining. The Ravens’ defense has had its issues this season, but the team did not allow a single touchdown in the loss to the Steelers, which will give them a massive boost of confidence.
READ MORE: John and Jim Harbaugh: A Look at the Harbaugh Family’s Long-Time Impact on Football
This is a big game for the Ravens, as another loss will likely end Jackson’s chances of winning back-to-back MVPs. Although it is a home game for the Chargers, the Ravens are currently a three-point favorite.
Herbert is arguably playing the best football of his career, and he can further raise his stock with a win against the reigning NFL MVP. The Chargers quarterback has thrown for 2,186 yards, 13 touchdowns, and one interception, completing 63.5% of his throws with a passer rating of 102.1.
Harbaugh loves Herbert and has brought the best out of the 26-year-old quarterback. By not forcing him to do everything on his own, the Chargers’ head coach has unlocked the best version of the former Oregon star, who has started the season by having a passer rating of 90+ in every game.