Written by Isaac Nance
Every year, there is a conundrum for many people watching the Super Bowl. There is this weird thing where the commercials, surprisingly, are good, but they are broken up by these guys running around on a field throwing a strangely-shaped ball. The worst thing is the crazy nutter in the background of your Super Bowl party who actually knows what's going on and can explain what is happening on the field.
Well, this year the nutter can be you. This is a basic explanation to the matchup of the San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1) and the Baltimore Ravens (10-6).
There are three sections to the game we need to look at; offense, defense, and x-factors. The rival coaches are brothers, so they have similar styles of coaching when it comes to offense, which is mainly running plays. These teams are both near the top in rushing (Frisco 4th, Baltimore 11th), and both lack in passing. The 49ers are a defensive nightmare with a double threat backfield scoring very large amounts. Then there is the standout first year starter Colin Kaepernick, who in the divisional round killed the Green Bay Packers by running 181 yards for two touchdowns. These numbers are ones that most running backs would be proud of. With an average six yards a play, the Niners are a very special offensive team.The Ravens on the other hand, are a little bit slower. They’re the 16th ranked running attack, and they’re still very potent, but not as powerful under the aging Ray Rice. The passing attack on the other hand is very viable compared to the 49ers terrible rating. In a head to head match up I have to give the offensive edge to the 49ers. They score about the same, make more yards per game and play, move the chains more often, and have more ways to attack than the Ravens.
Then we go to the other side of tactics, defense. This is where the game will be won, with both teams having some of the best defenses in the league. The 49ers are 3rd in yards allowed (294 a game), second in points scored against (17.1) and 3rd in yards per play (4.6). The Ravens, led by retiring powerhouse Ray Lewis, are not as robust as the Niners. They are ranked 16th in yards (350.9),16th in points scored against per game (21.5) and 10th in yards per play (5.2). Again I have to give the edge to the 49ers, who just dominate on defense.
In x-factors, you have to give the edge to the Ravens. This game will end the career of more players than the end of the replacements. Heart and the solid fundamentals are the main reason that the Ravens have made it this far after a subpar second half of a season.
In summary, in a close game, the 49ers will win. They just have too many weapons for the aging Ravens to cope with.
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