Super Bowl XLVII

[Vin+ 3,121]

Preparing their respective teams for Super Bowl XLVII might be easier for John and Jim Harbaugh than having to downplay the distraction of becoming the first brothers to coach against one another on the NFL's biggest stage.

 

With each focused on trying to take home the Lombardi Trophy, Jim's San Francisco 49ers look for a record-tying sixth Super Bowl title Sunday in New Orleans when they face John's Baltimore Ravens, who hope to send one of the game's greatest players off to retirement in style.

 

Moments after Baltimore's 28-13 win at New England in the AFC championship game Jan. 20, the colorful descriptions for this season's Super Bowl began to surface: The Brother Bowl. The Har-Bowl. The Super-Baugh. For game broadcast network CBS, advertisers and certainly those in the NFL front office, the matchup has the potential to be a ratings smash.

 

For the brothers Harbaugh, at least publicly, it's just another game.

 

"Well, I think it's a blessing and a curse," said Jim Harbaugh, 15 months younger than 50-year-old John. "A blessing because that is my brother's team. And, also, personally I played for the Ravens. Great respect for their organization.

 

"The curse part would be the talk of two brothers playing in the Super Bowl and what that takes away from the players that are in the game. Every moment that you're talking about myself or John, that's less time that the players are going to be talked about."

 

John Harbaugh understands the magnitude of this meeting in terms of football significance, but that's about it.

 

"I like reading a lot of history ... I guess it's pretty neat," he said. "But is it really going to be written about? It's not exactly like Churchill and Roosevelt or anything. It's pretty cool, but that's as far as it goes."

 

Perhaps the matchup will be hardest on the Harbaughs' parents, Jack and Jackie. The couple has lived through this experience once on a lesser scale when Baltimore improved to 3-1 in the all-time series with a third straight win over the 49ers, 16-6 on Thanksgiving Day in 2011.

 

"I am going to be neutral in the game," Jackie Harbaugh said. "I know one is going to win and one is going to lose, but I would really like to end in a tie. Can the NFL do that?"

 

Regardless of who wins, the family can celebrate the accomplishments that brought the brothers to this point.

 

Jim, who never made a Super Bowl appearance during his 15-year playing career, has guided the 49ers (13-4-1) to New Orleans after losing 20-17 in overtime to New York in the conference championship last season. Aiming to equal Pittsburgh's record six Super Bowl titles, San Francisco has not played on this stage since a 49-26 win over San Diego capped the 1994 season.

 

Jim's brother has the Ravens (13-6) here for the first time since they ended the 2000 season with a 34-7 rout of the Giants in Super Bowl XXXV, their first championship.

 

Future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis was MVP of that game, and he can try to win the award again in his last contest before retiring after a stellar 17-year career with Baltimore.

 

As with his last appearance in the Super Bowl, however, controversy has surrounded Lewis, albeit on a significantly lower level.

 

When Lewis hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in January 2001, it was almost a year since his involvement in the stabbing deaths of two people outside an Atlanta nightclub hours after St. Louis' Super Bowl win over Tennessee at the Georgia Dome. Lewis, who had been charged with two counts of murder before striking a deal to testify against two of his friends, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of obstruction of justice and received a one-year probation and a $250,000 fine by the NFL.

 

The trial made headlines for a good portion of 2000 before Lewis led the Ravens on their championship run that fall. The murders were never solved.

 

Lewis has since rehabilitated his image, but this week has been forced to answer questions regarding a recent Sports Illustrated report linking him to a company that makes deer-antler spray, which contains a banned performance enhancer. The report stated Lewis sought help from the company that makes the product to speed his recovery from a torn right triceps injury which forced him to miss 10 games this season.

 

Lewis has denied the allegations.

 

"I've never took what (the report) said, or did whatever I was suppose to do," said Lewis, who brought down Jim Harbaugh for his first career sack. "I don't need it, my teammates don't need it, the 49ers don't need it. Just to entertain it, I won't. I can't."

 

His coach does not expect this to be a distraction.

 

"He's been through this so much, he's a singularly focused individual," John Harbaugh said. "As far as football, it's not even a factor for us. It's too bad it's something that gets so much play."

 

Lewis and a defense that held the Patriots to one touchdown in the AFC title game will do their best to stop versatile San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

 

A second-round pick in 2011, Kaepernick has gained sudden stardom for going 7-2 after taking over as the starter after Alex Smith suffered a concussion in Week 10. In those nine games, Kaepernick has completed 62.7 percent of his passes and thrown 13 touchdowns with four interceptions while averaging 7.3 rushing yards and a 101.2 passer rating.

 

In San Francisco's 45-31 divisional-round win over Green Bay on Jan. 12, he threw for 263 yards with two TDs and set an NFL playoff rushing record for a quarterback with 181 and two scores.

 

The 49ers have averaged 28.6 points in the last nine games with Kaepernick starting - 4.9 more than the previous nine started by Smith. Mobile and athletic, Kaepernick has brought a new dimension to the 49ers offense as his ability to scramble also buys him time to employ his powerful and accurate right arm.

 

"We're going to have to keep him inside and in front of our defense," John Harbaugh told the Ravens' official website. "We're not going to be able to run past him. He's fully capable of putting 200 yards on you in a second."

 

Kaepernick's effect on the offense was evident during his team's 28-24 conference championship victory at Atlanta, when he threw for 233 yards and a TD as the 49ers rallied from a 17-point first-half deficit.

 

"Anybody that is out there on the football field, you want to see them produce and get results," left tackle Joe Staley said. "I think it was one of those things where we saw him in practice and we just wanted to see how he was going to handle the situation in the games. He has done that."

 

Kaepernick is complemented by the 49ers' powerful ground attack, which was fourth in the NFL with 155.7 yards per game. Frank Gore rushed for 1,214 yards and eight TDs on the season, while speedy LaMichael James provides a change of pace to Gore's bruising style.

 

Like his brother's move to stick with Kaepernick when Smith was again healthy, John Harbaugh's decision to fire offensive coordinator Cam Cameron and promote quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell in December also has paid off.

 

Baltimore is 4-2 with Caldwell running the offense, and Joe Flacco has thrown 10 TDs and no INTs while posting a 111.5 passer rating to lead his team to victories in four of the last five.

 

The first quarterback to win a playoff game in each of his first five seasons, Flacco has won an NFL-record six playoff road contests. He's thrown eight touchdowns while beating Andrew Luck, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady this postseason.

 

His three second-half TDs helped the Ravens overcame a 13-7 halftime deficit at New England two weeks ago, and he engineered a miraculous tying drive in the final minute against Denver in the divisional round of that overtime victory.

 

"You naturally become more of the guy when you spend a number of years in the league," said Flacco, who will become an unrestricted free agent after the season. "As a quarterback, it's my job to lead from Day 1.

 

"I think it's just one of those things you dream of when you are a little kid. So, to be here at this point is pretty special."

 

Flacco threw for 161 yards and tossed an 8-yard pass to tight end Dennis Pitta for the game's only touchdown against San Francisco last season. Though much less mobile than Kaepernick, he also boasts a strong and accurate arm that will likely present a serious test to the 49ers' secondary.

 

Though the 477 yards the 49ers gave up against the Falcons were the second most they've allowed this season, Flacco and the Ravens know they're in for a major challenge Sunday. Led by arguably the most feared linebacking corps in the league - a group highlighted by NaVorro Bowman, Patrick Willis, Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks - San Francisco's defense ranked second in the NFL in scoring defense at 17.1 points per game and third in yards allowed at 294.4.

 

That unit remains the heart of a team which believes it's meant to be in this spot.

 

"I would say this is the most talented team I have been on," safety Donte Whitner told the 49ers' official website. "Not only talented, but guys come and work hard. When you mix talent and hard work, the results are the Super Bowl."

 

This will be the 10th time New Orleans has hosted the Super Bowl and first since Hurricane Katrina ravaged the area in 2005. It's yet another sign of the resurgence of a city that also has hosted the BCS national title game and the men's Final Four over the last 18 months.

 

"That is an extraordinary run of events for a city that seven years ago was 15 feet under water and the last on every list in America that mattered," mayor Mitch Landrieu said last week. "Now we find ourselves in a city that's on the world stage."

 

This Super Bowl will be something of a bittersweet moment for the Ravens with longtime owner Art Modell passing away Sept. 6 at age 87. The players have worn patches that read "Art" on their jerseys throughout the season.

 

Copyright 2013 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press.

 

 

Edited February 6, 2013 by Vin

[Glanvilles Grits 142]

We're going to get to see two of the best front 7's in all of football go toe to toe. The Ravens have been fired up since Ray Lewis announcing his retirement. This will be a hard hitting football game. The 49ers, at least in my opinion, have the better team though. I'm not sure the Ravens can overcome that. It will be a close game and it's going to be dominated by the guys between the lines. I don't think this turns into a passing shootout. I predict we see heavy doses of Ray Rice and Frank Gore.

 

At the end of the day however, I think Kaepernick will win the game for the 49ers with his playmaking ability and allow them to get out front by a field goal.

 

21

24

[RazorStar 4,025]

I'm cheering for a Magikaep injury so that Gyarados Alex Smith can finish the 49ers season with a win.

 

But that won't happen. Fate has decreed a Ravens SB win.

[Favre4Ever+ 4,476]

Really think this one can go either way.

 

My X Factor is going to be Joe Flacco. He's been relying on the deep ball a lot through these playoffs... And the 49ers have given up a ton of big passing plays. If he can connect on those like he has, Ravens are going to win this one.

 

I think the 49ers are combating the Ravens "team of destiny" stuff with their own mojo / emotions. They are the better team... the more talented team. Even though that hasn't stopped the ravens from beating two better and more talented teams to get to this point... I think the Niners can force Flacco into some really costly turnovers.

 

Normally I would call Kaep my X Factor, but at this point, I am expecting him to play well. He is a great thrower of the football. And we all know what he can do with his legs... He's really about as close to your "perfect" QB as you can get. He's not one dimensional like a Tom Brady or Mike Vick, and he's faster than other QBs who move really well outside of the pocket like Aaron Rodgers.

 

It really could go either way, even though my prediction won't give that justice. I really think we are due for a Super Bowl domination. 49ers are going to win big, but the score will be closer than it looks.

 

I like John Harbaugh more, but I really think Jim is the smarter strategizer (maybe it is just his coordinators? Dunno).

 

49ers - 30

Ravens - 24

 

I am expecting 49er domination, regardless of the score.

[Bay 2,003]

- Win the turnover battle/protect the ball

 

- Don't let Torrey Smith ruin the game

 

- Limit Ray Rice & Anquan Boldin, maybe even Pitta =

 

 

Just hope whoever wins, earned it.

 

24

 

27

 

 

I might die on the spot if this comes down to an Akers FG...

[Favre4Ever+ 4,476]

Torrey Smith is awesome, but you also don't have Champ in the secondary.

[DonovanMcnabb for H.O.F 2,241]

Fun fact for all you hobos out there. Jim and John both went to my rival high school. Ann Arbor Pioneer High School. I went to Ann Arbor Huron High School.

 

MICHIGAN REPRESENT!!!!!!

Edited February 3, 2013 by DonovanMcnabb for H.O.F

[Thanatos 2,847]

In 4 hours the 2012 season will be over and the Niners will have a blemish on that perfect Super Bowl record.

 

27

24

[Thanatos 2,847]

- Win the turnover battle/protect the ball

 

- Don't let Torrey Smith ruin the game

 

- Limit Ray Rice & Anquan Boldin, maybe even Pitta =

 

Well. Torrey Smith isn't ruining the game.

[Glanvilles Grits 142]

The 49ers are just simply being out matched everywhere right now. The 49ers need to make a stop on their first defensive outing of the 2nd half to have a chance.

[Favre4Ever+ 4,476]

Where is that pass defense? I don't get how the Pats, Broncos, and Niners all just roll over and give them these bombs. What in the actual fuck.

[DonovanMcnabb for H.O.F 2,241]

I was hoping Jones would do another ghetto dance but nooo...

[Vin+ 3,121]

Greatest Super Bowl ever.

[Favre4Ever+ 4,476]

Mmmm. My stuffed mushrooms stole the show.

[Vin+ 3,121]

http://www.thegridironpalace.com/forums/index.php?/topic/63571-ravens-broncos/page__view__findpost__p__2450734

 

If the Ravens somehow go on to win the SB this year, I don't want to read another word from you about how bad the Ravens are and how every single one of the coaches needs to be fired.

 

Ever.

 

 

 

So let it be written. So let it be done.

[Glanvilles Grits 142]

The NFL is beginning to make me question what defensive pass interference actually is anymore. It changes every week depending on who does it. Hm.

 

At least the 49ers made it a game. The Ravens played pretty awesome. The 49ers are a relatively young football team, they've got quite a few years left on their playoff runs. Ravens won the superbowl and now the question begins, will they be able to overcome losing Ray Lewis and possibly Ed Reed?

[Bay 2,003]

Power outage or no power outage, I'm happy the way this team fought back. Just came up a little short.

 

Can't be turning the ball over like that, settling for FG's, allowing that big of a return...

 

 

Congrats Ravens fans. You won't hear me cry about that no-call.

Edited February 4, 2013 by Bay

[Piggly Wiggly 960]

I don't want to live in a world where the Ravens are Super Bowl Champions...

 

 

Can't wait for the Pats to hate fuck them in their season opener, though.

[Favre4Ever+ 4,476]

Or where Joe Flacco is Super Bowl MVP.... This is why the Mayans wanted the world to end, they didn't want us to have to live to witness this.

[rzb+ 367]

Ugh, fuck you Ravens for ending the season. Assholes.

[BigBen07 285]

Congrats to the Ravens on winning their 2nd Super Bowl

 

When does Harbaugh get fired?

Edited February 4, 2013 by BigBen07

[BwareDWare94 723]

That no call was the right call. The only serviceable substitution would have been offsetting penalties, and that would have negated the purpose of the no call in the first place. Both players had hands on--no flag. That was the right call, and I don't think that's homerism. Aside from that, there were a couple of holds on the 49ers OL that were pretty obvious on that last drive. At the same time, not a single offensive holding penalty all game (that I'm aware of. I missed the beginning of the first quarter). I don't know about you, but I'd rather they let holds go before they call every one.

 

I was extremely impressed with this officiating crew.

 

Joe Flacco is a post season stud. Has there been a better postseason by a QB?

[Favre4Ever+ 4,476]

Congrats to Ngata any other lurking Raven fans, the Ravens players and staff, and the city of Baltimore.

 

It was a good game mostly because they started to choke in the end, which I am also thankful for. Beyonce was still better and deserved thew MVP over Flacco, but I digress.

 

Enjoy it while it lasts because the Packers are bringing another title to Titletown in '13.

[WindyCitySports 407]

I disagreed with the no call, but whatever. It was a fun game and congrats to the Baltimore fans.

[BwareDWare94 723]

Wait, do we actually think Beyonce performed well or are we just happy that we got to look at her dance suggestively for damn near 15 minutes? I couldn't understand most of the words she was singing.