Super Bowl XLVII

Yes, the Super Bowl is finally here, the NFL season, starting from September 5th until Sunday, stretches nearly five months, and consumes the American sports fan each and every Sunday. This Sunday, the NFL consumes almost one third of the United States, not only for the championship game itself, but also for all the commercials. The two teams participating this year, the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens were among some of the ten or so teams favored to go into this season's Super Bowl in New Orleans. New Orleans is hosting the Super Bowl for the 10th time, tying the city with Miami for most times hosting the big game. This year, Easter comes early so Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl coincide, so the city is even more abuzz with parties than usual. And, with that, the teams are not letting all of the distractions get to them so far. Which, is a very good sign for the teams, and a good sign with the football game. Now, enough with the background and everything, on to the preview!

San Francisco 49ers (13-4-1) vs. Baltimore Ravens (13-6)


This should be a fantastic game, as both teams feature pretty good defenses, who rank in the top third as far as total points allowed. Plus, each team features some stars on defense which is a rare thing to find these days in the offense obsessed NFL. Baltimore has more of the defensive stars, with Ed Reed, perhaps the best free safety of all time. Pass rusher Haloti Ngata, who is a still young very veteran monster who can pass rush very well and also stop the run very well. Then there is also Terrell Suggs, known for his pass rushing ability from the outside linebacker spot, and he can also cover fairly well too. Then, there is the retiring Ray Lewis, who will be a first ballot hall of famer. Lewis is the heart and soul of the Ravens defense, and has showed it throughout the playoffs, leading the team in tackles each postseason game. So, while Lewis has lost a few steps since he came into the league 17 years ago, he still can play the game at the highest level. Baltimore's defense will need to try and figure out the pistol offense that the 49ers have implemented ever since Colin Kaepernick took over the starting quarterback job in week 11. He took over the reigns of the offense when incumbent quarterback Alex Smith went down with a concussion, and folks in San Francisco were wondering if he could succeed. But, it has been shown the Kapernick has taken the job and run with it. He has played exceptionally well, with himself averaging about 250 yards per game both passing and rushing each game. The offense has evolved from a very traditional style offense, with traditional passing and blocking schemes, to one which has very unique little wrinkles. Frank Gore, along with Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James have continued to be fantastic in the running game. Kaepernick, as well as Smith has also let Michael Crabtree have a career year as well as let Vernon Davis continue to shine through.
San Francisco's defense will need to contend with a much more balanced offense attack ever since Jim Caldwell, the former coach of the Indianapolis Colts took over the play calling from Cam Cameron late in the season. Under Cameron, the Baltimore offense passed 60 percent of the time, where now, under Caldwell, the offense is pretty much 50/50 run to pass ratio. And, the offense has flourished, averaging 30 points in their playoff games.  The Baltimore offense is greatly dependent upon Ray Rice, their small running back, who is great with screen passes, and can get through small little seams for big gains in the running game. Now, Joe Flacco doesn't just have Rice as a passing threat, he has tall tight end Dennis Pitta in the red zone, and then speedster Torrey Smith down the sidelines, as well as big physical receiver Anquan Boldin over the middle, who will be a challenge to cover. So, on offense and on defense, the teams are rather similar, and the game could come down to special teams. The punters on both teams are pretty good, as are the return men with Jacoby Jones for the Ravens and Ted Ginn Jr. for the 49ers. But, the kickers could be the difference, because Justin Tucker of the Ravens has only missed three field goals throughout the season, and has been solid. Whereas former Philadelphia Eagle David Akers has not been consistent at all, and even missed a 38 yard field goal attempt in the NFC Championship game. So, that very well could be the difference, and go with the Ravens in this game!

Pick: Baltimore Ravens 24, San Francisco 49ers 21