So it's time again for the big game.
So I did some research yesterday on what I thought would be keys to the game.
Turnovers and Sacks:
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| Terrell Suggs is not a handsome man. |
San Francisco has been great at protecting their quarterback and ball. SF only allowed two sacks and two turnovers this postseason. In contrast the Ravens have caused 6 sacks and 8 forced turnovers (3 and 6 respectively in the last two games). So the key would appear to be getting pressure on SF quarterback Colin Kaepernick and force some bad throws. Here's the problem, the Ravens have faced two older, less mobile quarterbacks in their last two games. If they force Colin Kaepernick to break the pocket, Kaepernick can extend the play and create some big plays.
Big Plays:
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| The Baltimore Ravens apparently love this pose. |
San Francisco has had 6 plays of over 25 yards this postseason and this is something that an older Ravens team is going to have to avoid to win this game.
It goes without saying that the Ravens have relied heavily on their big play making ability over the course of their three playoff games. With the San Francisco defense focused on Ravens receivers Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin I think there is a possibility for third wide receiver Jacoby Jones and running back Ray Rice to exploit the middle of the field and break some big yardage plays.
The Running Game
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| There's no way to do this and not look like a tool. |
James is a forgotten part of this combo but with backfield defenders forced to spy Kaepernick and Gore pounding the ball between the tackles James has the explosiveness to break a big play.
How good is the San Francisco running game?
They had over 300 yards running against Green Bay and 150 against the Falcons in a game where they trailed for most of the first half and were forced to throw the ball more than they'd like.
As for the Ravens running over 125 yards would be a big win against San Francisco's run defense and would force the secondary to not cheat on their coverage.
Special Teams and the new Red Zone
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David Akers and 49er fans hope to look happier after SB47 |
Inspite of the two, count em': two, special teams touchdowns they allowed against Denver Baltimore's special teams have been amongst the best in the league. but they will be facing the afore mentioned La'Michael James. So this should be an interesting battle.
If I were a fan of either team I would be worried about my field goal unit. Even though Ravens rookie kicker Justin Tucker has made some big kicks this season (against New England early in the season and at Denver in the playoffs he is still a rookie).
And if there were a prop bet for "player most likely to receive death threats via Twitter after then game" it would be San Francisco kicker David Akers. He's missed 13 field goals including 5 in the last five games. That's why the 30 yard line should be considered the red zone for this game. If either team gets inside the 30 they should feel a sense of urgency to not leave it to their kicker to put points on the board.
Final Prediction:
If you average the margin of victory from Super Bowl 18-33 that number would have been nearly 18 points. There was a time when the Super Bowl meant watching one team get killed by another. In recent years we've had great nail biters. But something leads me to believe that we are going to have a double digit victory tonight.
As much as I am trying to convince myself that the Ravens will win the 49ers have the personnel on offense to exploit an aging defense. The Ravens lost each time they faced an elusive NFC quarterback this season Michael Vick and RGIII. And on defense the 49ers have enough athletes to shut down the big play making skills of the Ravens. The only way i can see the Ravens winning is if they force atleast two turnovers and Anquan Boldin and Ray Rice have 100 yards a piece of offense.
Otherwise: 28-17 San Francisco
Exactly the score I have been saying! Frankie, you are a genius.
ReplyDeleteWell, they got two turnovers and Anquan Boldin got a 100 yards and Jacoby Jones went down the middle of the field for a 56 yard catch. SF had 5 plays of over 25 yards. Not bad.
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