Super Bowl XLVII Analysis

Hello for the final time during this NFL season. Today I will be looking at Super Bowl XLVII (47), featuring a matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens. It's been a long year, and I'm sort of sad to see it end; but at the same time, thank goodness it's finally ending. Let's cut to the chase, shall we?

AFC Champions: Baltimore Ravens
- AFC North Champions
- 10-6 record (13-6 including the Playoffs)

vs.

NFC Champions: San Francisco 49ers
- NFC West Champions
- 11-4-1 record (13-4-1 including the Playoffs)


Scheduled Kickoff: 6:15pm Eastern Standard Time, Sunday, February 3rd


Baltimore Offense vs. San Francisco Defense
Baltimore's strength during the regular season predominantly lied on their running back, Ray Rice. Rice ran for over 1,100 yards and 9 touchdowns, and had over 475 receiving yards and 1 touchdown this season as well. In the postseason however, it has been Joe Flacco, a quarterback of seemingly questionable talent, that has led the Ravens to victory over the past couple of games, notably in Denver where his late game touchdown pass saved their season. They will match themselves up against a San Francisco defense that hasn't played great over the past month of the season, but stepped up big against Atlanta in the NFC Championship game, allowing 0 points in the second half, allowing them to make a comeback. Over the last few years, a hot defense with solid offensive play has determined who would win the Super Bowl. Last year, it was the Giants, the year before it was the Packers. Considering Baltimore has the hot hand this year, I give the advantage to the Ravens here. Joe Flacco has been a big game quarterback for a long time, having played well in almost every playoff game he's been in. It should be no surprise to anyone that he's played well this off-season and yet, his play has been surprising to most. In reality, he's the most clutch quarterback remaining in the playoffs and has been since it started. He's won a playoff game every year he's been in the league, he's won on the road, against Pittsburgh, Denver and now New England. So why is his play when it counts the most surprising when he's always done it? It's not.


San Francisco Offense vs. Baltimore Defense
The battle here is a tale of age. A young, hot offense with an athletic quarterback versus an aging defense with its' leader riding off into the sunset afterwards. This, if you find it hard to understand, is the same battle that the Baltimore Ravens faced 4 weeks ago against the Indianapolis Colts, although the challenge here is a bit harder. San Francisco is primarily a run first offense that can throw well. Stopping the run for the Ravens has been a problem for the last few seasons due to an aging front seven. This should play into San Francisco's hands if the game is close for most of the first half. However, if the game gets into a battle of offense fisticuffs like I think it will, San Francisco has to deal with Baltimore's corners which are some of the best in the league, including Ed Reed, who is notorious for interceptions in big situations. While he may not make his presence known, he's there. While the Ravens were lit up by Peyton Manning's arm, needless to say, Colin Kapernick is no Peyton Manning. This is where I give the Ravens the advantage. While the 49ers are a great running team and can dominate the Ravens defensive front, if it gets into a battle where they need to play from behind they won't be able to throw on Baltimore's defense.


Conclusion and Prediction
Given my analysis, along with how the two have played in the playoffs, I believe this year's Super Bowl Champions will be the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have the hot hand right now, as well as having the experience of playing in the big game, along with the leadership to guide the young players to a Championship. While San Francisco is a young team, they have very little Championship experience to lead them through the hype and glitter that comes with it. The Ravens have wanted another Super Bowl for the last few years, and now that they have another chance, I can't see them leaving New Orleans without the Vince Lombardi Trophy.


Final Score: Baltimore - 24, San Francisco - 13

Enjoy the Super Bowl everyone!