Siblings by Day, Opponents by Night: The Harbowl

Thanksgiving in Baltimore should be a fun time this year for the Harbaugh family. Jim’s San Francisco 49ers versus John’s Ravens. I can just picture a phone call interrupting John’s practice on Monday.

“Hold on guys, my brother is calling. Yea Jim, what’s up?”

“Hey bro, what’s going on? You busy?”

“Nothing much, just practicing. What do you want?”

“Just wanted to remind you to bring the stuffing for dinner. I mean after all, when we get done with you on the field, you will need all the food you can eat to make you feel better. I mean I know you are undefeated at home this year and are tied for the best record in the AFC but, we are on a roll.”

“Feel better? Come on Jim, We don’t lose at home. I don’t care if you guys are 9-1 and have won 8 straight games. There is no way your offense will score against our defense. Ray Lewis is getting better and is hopeful to be playing but even if he doesn’t, your o-line is no match for our defensive front.”

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“You want to talk defense John? There is no better group than what we put out on the field. We haven’t allowed a 100 yard rusher in the last 32 games. Our defense is ranked number one in points allowed and number 8 in yards allowed. Why don‘t we just mark down a win for us and enjoy the turkey”

“I give you that Jim; your defense is very good. But Ray Rice has gone over 100 yards three times this year and he plans on making it four this week. Do you really think your defensive backfield can keep up with my receivers Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin ? I mean come on now, these guys are good. Are you making the mashed potatoes? ”

“Oh John, you are one funny guy. I saw your game against Cincinnati this week. You were lucky to come away with a win. I think when the night is over, we will have out 10th straight win and you will be trying to figure out how not to fall flat at Cleveland next week, like you did in Seattle two weeks ago. Yes, you know I always make the mashed potatoes”

“Ok Jim, I need to get back to practice. We have quite a few wrinkles to put in for our game this week. I think you will like these since we used to run them in the sandlot when we were kids. And please, this year, don‘t make it lumpy ”

“Ok John, have a good one and we will see you in a few days. Oh and remember I get the big turkey leg.”

By Don August
ProFootball-fans.com San Francisco 49ers Correspondent