THE SUPER BOWL
XENA AND TANNER CHEW ON THE SUPER BOWL
Well, the doggies got the NFC Championship right -- pretty much nailing how the game would unwind and the final score. We didn't fair so well in the AFC game. The Ravens again surprised a heavy favorite by bringing more physicality and passion to the festivities than did their opponent.
So here is the doggies sense of the big game. In dispatching the Colts, Broncos, and Patriots -- the Ravens played much more aggressively, physically, and bolder than their opponents. The Ravens wore down each foe and limited the big plays on offense (Denver's only two explosive plays were special team returns). The Ravens also continued to be stingy when it mattered --- While the Colts, Broncos, and Pats all ran lots of plays, they were unable to turn those plays into scores often enough and at key junctures in the game.
The Forty-Niners have relied on a surprisingly explosive offense in the playoffs to dispatch the Packers and the Falcons. In both cases the Niner defense adjusted in the second half to shut down the Packers and the Falcons. The Packers scored 21 points in the first half and only 10 in the second, including a "garbage time" late TD. The Niners shut out the Falcons in the second half after the Falcons had scored 24 points in the first half.
If I look at the teams position by position here is what I see:
QB - Slight edge to Niners given Kaepernick's mobility. I think the Ravens will play him straight up and not do anything special to take away the runs. Both QB have big arms and have made big plays in the air when they need them. Both have also showed good poise in coming back from deficits in the last two games.
Running game - Again, a slight edge to the Niners based on the extra dimensions that James and Kaepernick bring to the backfield. Also, I like the Niner offensive line in the running game against the Raven front seven more than I like the Raven line against the Niner front seven.
Receivers - I think both sides have underrated passing attacks. I would give the Ravens a slight edge at receiver because after Crabtree the Niners are just a bunch of guys. Jones, Smith, and Boudin have all played well for the Ravens.
Defensive line - A clear edge for the Niners.
Linebackers - A clear edge for the Niners
DB's - A clear edge for the Niners
The Niners are solid at every defensive position. The Ravens have been making the plays they have needed on defense. I think the Niners will ultimately wear the Ravens down with their big, talented offensive line.
Special Teams - slight edge to the Ravens with the suspect confidence of Niner kicking game. I wouldn't be surprised to see either James (Niners) or Jones (Ravens) make a big play in the return game.
What this all means? The Ravens won't out physical the Niners like they did the Colts, Broncos, and Pats. I think Kaepernick may take a series or two to find his happy place -- but that the Niners are the better team and they will get their just reward -- Final SF 31 Ravens 20
