Ravens get nine sacks in win over 49ers

The Ravens sacked Alex Smith nine times and beat the 49ers, 16-6, Thursday night, giving John Harbaugh an emotional charge in the first NFL game featuring brothers as opposing head coaches.

The Ravens (8-3) chased, hindered and battered Smith for much of the night despite playing without middle linebacker Ray Lewis, their leading tackler and leader. Lewis was inactive for a second straight game with a foot injury.

The nine sacks tied a franchise record, accomplished twice previously.

San Francisco (9-2) had its eight-game winning streak broken under rookie coach Jim Harbaugh.

John, 49, and Jim, 47, grew up dueling each other in all sorts of games. Competing this time on a national stage, John got the best of his little brother.

Baltimore broke a 6-6 tie with a 16-play, 76-yard drive that lasted more than 71/2 minutes and ended with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco to tight end Dennis Pitta with 14:56 left.

Eagles' Asomugha hurt

Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, one of the Eagles' celebrated free-agent acquisitions, injured his left knee during practice yesterday and left the field on a cart.

The Eagles had no comment on the extent of the injury, and a team spokesman said Asomugha's status will be updated Friday. Asomugha was taking part in a non-contact drill when he was hurt.

With Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie out with an ankle injury, the Eagles could be down to only one of their cornerback trio of Asante Samuel, Rodgers-Cromartie and Asomugha when they host the Patriots on Sunday.

Bears sign McCown

Quarterback Josh McCown worked out with the Bears hours after agreeing to a one-year deal as a backup after starter Jay Cutler was injured Sunday.