Super Bowl week always brings unexpected stories such as this one, but what were the odds the most talked about story would be about deer antler spray? A billion to one? As the weekend approaches and the players spend their time in hotels and not in front of TV cameras, the attention becomes refocused on the game itself.
The Ravens rode the momentum of Ray Lewis' emotional final season and the big arm of Joe Flacco all the way to New Orleans. The defense has made key halftime adjustments each of their last two games vs. the Broncos and Patriots, that spurred the Ravens to come from behind victories. The offensive line has looked better in the playoffs than it has at any point during the regular season. Joe Flacco has had arguably the greatest three game stretch of his career. Flacco has passed for 853 yards, eight touchdowns, and zero interceptions during these playoffs. Validating his self assessment that he was one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL.
Prior to this season, most people if told the 49ers would make the Super Bowl, would be inclined to think that the 49ers defense would be the main reason for the 49ers Super Bowl appearance. Yet, most people didn't even know Colin Kaepernick existed, let alone be the second biggest star this week next to Ray Lewis. Kaepernick has shown in victories of the Packers and Falcons, why Jim Harbaugh gave him the starting job over Alex Smith who was leading the NFL in completion percentage at the time. Kaepernick provides a game changing quality at the quarterback position that can only be rivaled by Robert Griffin III.
As would be expected when two teams are coached by brothers, they become very similar in approach and identity. The deciding factor in this game will be 49ers offensive line vs the Ravens front seven. If the Ravens give up huge chunks of yardage in the running game like they have this season they will have no shot of beating the 49ers. The 49ers feature the best offensive line the Ravens will have seen this year, sometimes putting six and seven offensive lineman on the field at once. If the Ravens slide eight in the box to stop the run they leave one on one coverage on the outside, coverage that Kaepernick has shown he can shred. The Ravens must pick their poison with these Kaerpenick led 49ers. Problem for the Ravens is both choices are deadly.
Ray Lewis' last ride ends in New Orleans like he planned. It just ends with the 49ers going home with the Lombardi trophy.
THE PICK 49ers (-4) over Ravens: 31-20
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