Sunday’s Super Bowl game between the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens in New Orleans has all the makings of being a classic.
The following is my analysis of the strengths of both teams and analysis of how it might come out.
At quarterback I have to give 49ers rookie Colin Kapernick the edge over Ravens three-year starter Joe Flaco.
Both are solid passing threats but Kapernick can also pick up good yardage on the ground.
Kapernick’s favorite targets when he drops back to pass are wide receivers Mario Manningham and veteran Randy Moss.
The 49ers also have Vernon Davis, one of the top blocking and pass receiving tight ends in the game, I also give the 49ers the edge in the running game. Former University of Miami Hurricanes All-American running back Frank Gore can run inside or outside with equal efficiency.
Ravens starting running back Ray Rice is small and more effective as a pass receiver.
There are two great story lines for this year’s Super Bowl. The first is the brother against brother matchup. Jim Harbaugh coaches the National Football Conference champion 49ers and his brother John Harbaugh coaches the American Football Conference champion Ravens.
The second story line revolves around veteran All-Pro linebacker Ray Lewis playing his last game for the Ravens before retiring.
Defensively I’d have to give the edge to the Ravens. Along with Lewis, they have Haloti Ngata, one of the best defensive tackles in the league, and former University of Alabama Crimson Tide All-American nose tackle Terrence Cody.
While 49ers defensive end Justin Smith is one of the best at his position in the league, I would have to give the Ravens the overall edge defensively.
It could go either way, but I just think the Kapernick and Gore led offense will score enough to hold off the Ravens.
I’ll take the 49ers in a close one. They should win something like 21-14.