By the end of the first week of February, everyone will be talking about Super Bowl XLVII and the game played between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens. What we already know makes it must-watch television. First. it will be a sending-off party for future NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis. Next, it will be the first time in NFL history that two brothers (not African Americans) will face each other for the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Last, it will be the debut of a likely future great young quarterback.
- Frank Gore of the San Francisco 49ers and Ray Rice of the Baltimore ravens will cancel each other out. Given that Frank Gore had a terrible NFC championship game last year, he will be seeking to make up this year on the big stage. However, so will Ray Rice. Although Rice has less to prove, I look for both to have equal rushing and receive statistics by the end of the game, which will basically even out.
- Ray Lewis will not have a big game. Sure, Lewis will being playing his last game in the Super Bowl, but he is injured and a little too old and slow to be chasing 49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick around the field. He may dance on to the field but look for him to leave crying if he has a poor performance which means Colin will be “Kaepernicking” a Raven’s loss.
- Speaking of Colin Kaepernick, I see the real possibility that he will be the first NFL quarterback to pass and rush for two hundred yards in a Super Bowl. I can also see him having at least two rushing touchdowns in this process. His legs will make the differences, especially when compared to Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.
- Randy Moss has been quiet so far this season, but given such, it is about time for Moss to show whay he will eventually be in the NFL Hall of Fame. First, if the Ravens really want to shut down what many feel is one of the top offenses in the NFL; they will have to play close attention to Randy Moss. This may be easy since they will already have their hands full with Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree, Colin Kaepernick, Vernon Davis and even rookie LaMichael James. True, Ray Lewis wants to go out with a Super Bowl ring, but Moss wants his first. Motivation in this case goes to Moss.
- Last, the battle will be won up front. I know it is cliché to say it will be won in the trenches and by whoever controls the line of scrimmage, but in both cases it will be San Francisco. I know the defense gets the most attention, but I project the Offense Line will be the deal breakers for the ravens. First, the same five offensive linemen have started every game this season for the San Francisco 49ers. Plus, the numbers are amazing and even unreal: Boone 6-8, 300, Staley (6-5, 315), Lupati (6-5, 331), Goodwin (6-3, 318) and Davis (6-5, 323). Not to mention Staley, Lupati and Davis are all first round picks.
It seems that all is on the side of the 49ers and as a result, I believe that in his second year, Jim Harbaugh will come away with a championship ring. I don’t usually make score predictions, but I will this time and say 31 – 17 San Francisco.
