Super Bowl XLVII has finally arrived, along with the
typical circus that usually surrounds the big game. I would
like to make it through this entire column without mentioning Ray Lewis' name, but that is very difficult to do considering the entire
game seems to be about him. Just ask Lewis, he'll tell you so.
I understand. Considering he is one of the greatest defensive
players of all time and this is his last game... or so he says. But it
really is a little over the top. I don't think I have actually heard
that much analysis about the game.
Things happen when the break between playoff games is two weeks long.
Some player says something he shouldn't ( 49ers DB Chris Culliver this
year) and, although he may just be speaking his
mind, that isn't allowed without criticism. The
break includes countless interviews and stories that are borderline
irrelevant to the game. But that is what makes the Super Bowl so
unbelievable. It doesn't matter who is playing, or where the game is.
It is the Super Bowl, and it is an unwritten holiday. In fact, a law is
trying to get passed making the day after the Super Bowl a legal
holiday considering nobody works anyway. That is how great it is.
And, in case anybody was wondering, YES Jim and
Jon Harbaugh are brothers coaching against each other. As a matter of
fact, I think there should be a drinking game this year ( like there
isn't normally ) when everytime Mr. and Mrs. Harbaugh are shown during
the game, everybody drinks. Nobody would make it to the second quarter
sober.
And yes, aside from all the hoopla, there is a game. Some are expecting
a blow out. We will soon see.
Super Bowl XLVII
San Francisco 4 Baltimore
This number has actually gone down some since it first opened. Perhaps
the Ray Lewis "mystique" is getting some to move towards Baltimore. I
actually haven't seen too many people that like Baltimore. The 49ers
offense looks unstoppable, and the Ravens' offense will have trouble
scoring. I am not sure either one of these is true. San Francisco can
definitely move the ball, and yes they will likely score many points.
But they aren't unstoppable, especially with two weeks for the Ravens
to prepare. I also think Baltimore will be able to score. I think it is
about time we give Joe Flacco credit. He has had an outstanding post
season. I am not sure he is an elite quarterback in this league, but he
is at the next level. As I mentioned in my AFC Championship game
prediction, I think Baltimore's time is now. They are an older veteran
team and they could be losing some of their defensive players at year's
end, so this could be it. The 49ers look to be very good for quite some
time. Their future is very bright. But unfortunately for them, this is
the present.
Ravens 23-21
Record For Championship Games: 1-0-1 ( 2-0 without
the spread )
Record For Post Season: 5-4-1 ( 8-2 without the
spread )
Jim Poore has been a long time contributor to
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