Mirror Image?

      Many would say that these two teams are a spitting image of each other. Great defense. Solid running game. Good coaching staffs. Many would say this will be a hard fought, low scoring game. Well I say they are wrong, here is why.

      By The Numbers: Defense

      When you think of the Baltimore Ravens, you think defense. You think of Ray Lewis' prowess in the middle. You think of Ed Reed's ball hawking skills over the top. With both of them having one eye on retirement, this isn't the team it used to be. If you delve into the numbers, you'll see that they are not as dominate as they were once perceived. They're not in the top ten in points allowed per game. They're not even in the top 15 in yards given up per game. To top it off, they are one of the worst teams in the NFL in giving away yards with penalties. This is not the same old Ravens. 

     Now look at the San Francisco 49ers. Since Jim Harbaugh stepped on to an NFL field as a coach, he has had one of the best defensive team in the league. This season, the 49ers finished second in scoring defense and third in yards allowed per game. They have the best front seven this game has ever seen when it comes to raw talent. Eight out of the eleven players on defense were selected to go the Pro Bowl as a starter or alternate. This one is easy.

Advantage: San Francisco

     By The Numbers: Offense

     The Baltimore Ravens are a much improved team on offense this season. They finished the season top ten in points scored which is quite the accomplishment for the former offensively challenged Ravens. But beyond that, they haven't done anything particularly well on offense. They've been converting on third downs and scoring when their backs are against the wall. They win football games with streaks and screens and there is nothing wrong with that. They are a big play offense. Too bad they have to play a team that does not give up big plays.

     The San Francisco 49ers aren't exactly an offensive juggernaut but they do one thing really well; Pound the rock.They are fourth in the NFL in rushing. And when you look at the 49ers offensive numbers over the season, I have to discount the findings because they have had the 'Trent Dilfer' of our generation (Alex Smith) behind center for most the season. Since Harbaugh made the move to put the Nevada sensation Colin Kaepernick in as the signal caller, it is obvious how the read offense has been what they needed to get this team over the hump. This season, the Ravens played against two mobile quarterbacks; RGIII and Michael Vick. Outcome? Lost to both. Can this style of play on offense last forever? Probably not. The NFL always has an answer for gimmick offenses. Can it work for one more week to give the 49ers it's 6th Lombardi Trophy? I think so.

Advantage: San Francisco 

      Worth the mention:

       Special teams edge definitely goes to the Baltimore Ravens. They lead the league in kick return average and Tucker didn't miss 14 kicks this year like David Akers did for the 49ers. If the Ravens are going to have a chance in this game, it is going to be big plays on special teams. Unfortunately, I don't think it is going to matter.

Final Score:    Ravens 13 49ers 31

       As Jack Harbaugh always said, " Get ahead and stay ahead.". Unfortunately only one of his sons is going to be able to pull this off on Superbowl Sunday and it is Jimmy. The 49ers are going to make a big play on defense, score early and never look back. Sorry Ray Lewis. You're the best middle linebacker to ever play the game, but your number is up. You and Ed Reed can go back to Miami to grow old together and wait for your Hall of Fame inductions. Didn't you hear? The old Ravens are the new Niners.