"Twin" Teams
Much has been made about what makes the 49ers and the Ravens such similar teams. The two teams are built the exact same way. The defenses are eerily similar, each team boasts a stout defensive line, pro-bowl linebackers, underrated defensive backs, and hard hitting safeties. The offenses have completely different styles, but the same mindset. The quarterbacks are both young guys, playing in their first super bowl. Flacco has a big arm, and a knack for the deep ball; meanwhile Kaepernick is a home run style quarterback, whether its with a powerful arm or if he tucks and runs. Both teams have O-lines playing the best they have all season, solid 1-2 punches at running back, more than capable tight ends, and a plethora of receiver options. Both teams have hard hitting defenses, and offenses with new found firepower. It is no surprise that the teams are so similar, the coaches are brothers, with a father as their football mentor.
What to Expect
I expect this to be a hard fought close game at times, but I don't think the final score will reveal the true story. I think both offenses will come out hot, and that the Ravens will take a quarter or so to heat up on defense. Ray Lewis will lead the Ravens defense against the read-option, pistol style offense, and the defense will ultimately play smarter and more disciplined than the 49ers previous two opponents. Ray Lewis has a knack for confusing young quarterbacks, and I expect that trend to continue.
The 49ers offensive line is very very good, arguably the best in the league, but if the Ravens defense plays the way it has all post-season, I expect them to wear out the 49ers offense. Tom Brady and the Patriots got tired of being hit, plan and simple. Kaepernick, like Brady, has managed to stay clean all season, rarely being hit, much less sacked. If the Raven's defense can contain Kaep, and get him on the turf, his will to take a hit will diminish quickly, and from then on the Raven's will pile on the points.
I have not made a solid, strong prediction yet, and I personally don't plan to. This game could be a 13-6 game just like last year, it could be 38-35 just like the Raven's divisional match, or what I think is most likely, 28-17. I think both teams will be in it until the end, and then which ever team is in need of a touchdown will commit a fate sealing turnover. Personally I hope that The 49ers are the ones to commit that turnover, Kaepernick throwing directly to Ray Lewis for a game ending pick-six, sending Ray off into the sunset, Lombardi Trophy held high and proud.
According to NFL Network, ESPN, and the Raven's official website, New Orleans has been painted purple and black. Yes there is a strong 49ers presence, but it is estimated that Raven Nation is outnumbering the 49ers fans 3-1. I know that, if given the opportunity, Raven Nation will serenade New Orleans with a strong Seven Nation Army chant.
GO RAVENS!! and Thank You Ray for 17 amazing years.
