OWINGS MILLS – Joe Flacco took a beating Sunday, absorbing some punishing shots courtesy of the Houston Texans’ defense.

Although the Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback escaped unharmed despite being sacked twice and hit seven times during a 29-14 victory over the Texans at M&T Bank Stadium, the offensive line faltered enough to draw the attention of coach John Harbaugh.

“The thing that was a little disappointing was our pass protection,” Harbaugh said. “I think Joe made some great throws, especially in that first drive, and he got hit every single time. And that’s not good. I think it’s a testament to Joe and his toughness. We’ve seen it, but we don’t want Joe getting hit like that.”

Both times Flacco was sacked, it was by defensive end Tim Jamison.

Imagine what it might have been like if star outside linebacker Mario Williams hadn’t suffered a season-ending torn pectoral the previous week against the Oakland Raiders.

“A couple times it was losing the one-on-one battle,” Harbaugh said. “A couple times we misidentified the protection because of some of the looks they gave us maybe, but also things that weren’t that complicated. I think we can do a better. I think everyone would agree that we can do a better job that way. At the end of the game we did a better job, but we don’t need Joe getting hit like that.”

The Texans’ front seven features linebacker Brian Cushing and defensive linemen Antonio Smith and J.J. Watt, good personnel even with Williams out of the equation.

Afterward, Flacco defended his blockers.

“The offensive line fought and fought all game,” Flacco said. “They’ve got some good inside rushers, and I was throwing the ball a lot as I was getting hit and doing things like that. That’s the name of the game sometimes. Our offensive line hung in there, fighting.”

TAKING SIDES: When it comes to confrontations involving his brother and other NFL coaches, there’s no mistaking where John Harbaugh’s loyalty lies.

He’ll stand behind his brother, San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh, every time.

Harbaugh weighed in on the controversial incident that ensued between Jim Harbaugh and Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz. The 49ers’ coach exuberantly shook Schwartz’s hand Sunday and clapped him on the back after pulling off an upset to remove the Lions from the undefeated ranks.

“I can tell you this, I think I know who was right," said Harbaugh, who declined to go into detail about his conversation with his brother Monday. “Whoever was right or wrong, I know whose side I'm on. I'm definitely taking sides, same side I'm always taking.”

Schwartz alleged that he was shoved and cursed at by Harbaugh.

Is there a postgame protocol for handshakes?

“Everybody has got a lot to learn," John Harbaugh said with a smile. “I guess right now he's 5-1. If the biggest lesson he has right now is how to shake hands postgame after a victory, he's doing OK.”

MONDAY NIGHT TRAVELS: The Ravens haven’t hosted a Monday night game since a Dec. 3, 2007 loss to the New England Patriots where linebacker Bart Scott memorably tossed a penalty flag into the stands.

Now, the Ravens (4-1) are preparing to travel for a Monday night game against the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5) at EverBank Field.

So, what gives?

“Aren’t we in enough controversy with the family right now to be involved in that?” Harbaugh said, drawing laughter from the assembled media. “No, we’re happy to go play. Right now, we’re happy to go play wherever they put us. Someday, we’ll get a Monday night game.

But we had a big Sunday night game [New York Jets], we’ve got a big Thursday night game coming up [49ers on Thanksgiving]. So, we’ve had some really cool games this year. I think it’s good that way. One of these days, we’ll get a Monday night game.”

INJURY UPDATE: Backup inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe had a magnetic resonance imaging exam Monday on his left hamstring and right groin.

Depending on how fast he recovers, Ellerbe could be sidelined for a few weeks. Ellerbe was just coming off a right hamstring injury.

The Ravens reported no new injuries.

“I’m sure there’s sore,” Harbaugh said. “There’s nothing injury-wise or anything that should be an issue even for Wednesday.”

PAYING RESPECTS: Harbaugh was dressed in a suit for his weekly press conference after attending the funeral mass for Pat Modell, the late wife of former Ravens and Cleveland Browns owner Art Modell.

She died Wednesday at age 80.

“It was just a beautiful, beautiful ceremony down at the Basilica,” Harbaugh said. “[Sons] David and John [Modell] did an incredible job with the eulogies, and it kind of makes you remember how important family is. I think the Ravens are a family, the Raven nation, the fans, everybody, our families, and the Modells are just a great family. It was very meaningful to spend most of the day with the Modells.”

With Harbaugh absent, assistant head coach and special-teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg ran a walkthrough practice.

“Jerry Rosburg held practice,” Harbaugh said. “Did a great job, from what I heard. Heard it was a little short. No, just kidding, just kidding.”