Super Bowl 2013: San Francisco 49ers or Baltimore Ravens?
Super Bowl XLVII is just around the corner. But if you are a Patriots Nation citizen you might say – who cares?
Well, the 28-13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens was tough and still is like putting salt into a fresh wound every time we talk about it. Coach Bill Belichick couldn’t have said it better: – “For us, it was crash landing.” May I add – one without any padding.
Jan 27, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; General view of the Super Bowl XLVII logo at the media center in the Convention Center. The Baltimore Ravens will play the San Francisco 49ers on February 3, 2013 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
A week ago, experts and analysts around the league were heavily predicting the Baltimore Ravens to beat the San Franciso 49ers. As the Super Bowl rapidly approaches, they are not so sure and are veering off to the San Francisco 49ers to be the winners. Some comments are being based on how explosive the 49ers offensive is with Colin Kaepernick; their defense minimum weakness, and Kaepernick’s unpredictable fast runs to a first down or, what the heck, to the end zone.
On the other hand, it’s all Baltimore Ravens and the retirement festivities they are planning for the glamorous Ray Lewis. And let’s not forget about Joe Flacco’s missile he has thrown during fourth quarters in their last three playoff games. One similar characteristic they all seem to have in common is that both teams have great defense and this Super Bowl should be a mortal combat.
Oh well, I’m finally getting over the loss and looking forward to positive, productive and happy-ending 2013 season for the New England Patriots.
I thought about not watching the Super Bowl because I could care less for either team. However, for the love of football and for the love of writing something about it, how could I miss 2012’s season big finale?
Coming across a random Pittsburgh Steelers fan, my interest in watching this Sunday’s Super Bowl has elevated even more. Similar to me, this Steelers fan could care less who will be the winner of this Sunday’s match. But the more he analyzed, he came into realization that the wants the Ravens to win. Sudden interest occurred because he wants Steelers to still remain with the sole record (6-2) for most Super Bowl victory. Whereas both the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers have five wins each – Cowboys 5-3 and 49ers a perfect 5-0.
On my end, I thought, I certainly do not want a rivalry team that has eliminated my team from the road to the Super Bowl to get the best deal of the story. Yes, I know the Patriots did not bring their “A” game and just decided to take the beating.
Both teams are very competitive and I think that defensively they are equally balanced. From the way I perceive, it will all come down to Colin Kaepernick’s performance.
We know Flacco has steadily improving. Although, he really does not complete a high percentage of his passes, but damages his opponents with deep ball and plays, if he has time in the pocket. Kaepernick, on the other hand, has proven to maintain his cool even while trailing a 17- point deficit during the playoff against the Atlanta Falcons. His athleticism is explosive and he is revolutionizing today’s NFL quarterback position in the pass and running games.
I’m guessing the Ravens have not have enough time to figure out what tricks Kaepernick can pull out the hat. Flacco’s main success so far is a result of a good offensive line protection. If the 49ers defense line can put pressure on Flacco, it might just work.
It would be nice to see the 49ers pulling off a 31-21 win. Just saying.
Follow Celia Westbrook on Twitter @celiawestbrook