When was the last time two brothers were the head coaches of the two opposing teams playing in the Super Bowl?
What will the world remember most about Ray Lewis’s last game as a member of the Baltimore Ravens?
After weeks of preparing for the biggest game of the NFL season, the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers will finally meet in a highly anticipated game in Super Bowl XLVII.
In order to come out victorious in Super Bowl XLVII, the Ravens and 49ers need to concentrate on a few key areas.
The running game will play a valuable role on both sides of the ball. Frank Gore must see a lot of action, and be successful at that in going against a good Raven defense. The Ravens were once at the top of the list as a defense that stopped the run.
This past season, the Raven's defense was plagued with injuries. They ranked 20th against the run. Even in the playoffs, the Ravens are giving up an average of 128.3 yards per game. Colin Kaepernick will need to have a big day against the Raven defense. The Ravens must not allow Kaepernick to take control of the game like he did against the Green Bay Packers in the divisional playoff game.
Another weapon that the 49ers may depend on is their rookie, LaMichael James. Running behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, if Gore, Kaepernick, and James can control the ground game, the Ravens will have a long day ahead of them.
On the other side of the ball, Joe Flacco will need protection as he has had all throughout the playoffs. Flacco has won a lot of big games in the playoffs his whole career. A win Sunday night could silence a lot of critics.
The Raven’s offensive line must provide running room for Ray Rice. Rice has had a solid season, and the play of Osemele, Oher, and McKinnie will be a big factor in the game.
If Flacco can get the passing game going to his outstanding receivers, the 49ers will have to play a lot of nickel package.
Like many championship games, this game could be decided by special teams.
The Ravens gave up two touchdowns on special teams against the Denver Broncos. The Raven’s Jacoby Jones averaged nearly 30.7 yards on kickoffs this past season, and could pose a lot of problems for the 49ers. The 49ers had the second-worst kick coverage unit.
How will the Ravens and the game be impacted by the passion of Ray Lewis?
The Ravens understand that one of the greatest linebackers of all –time will leave all he has left on the field Sunday night. After losing Terrell Suggs in the first few games of the season, and Ray Lewis, the Raven's season looked bleak. With Suggs and Lewis returning, the Ravens look like an inspired group of men.
Superbowl XLVII features a lot of headlines. Superbowl XLVII is not just another game, it will go down as the game for the ages.
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