5 Reasons the 49ers Win the SuperBowl

 

There's a reason the old maxim, "any given Sunday" has remained relevant.  Fortunately for the casual fan, the "best" team doesn't always win a singular athletic contest.  Las Vegas sports betting depends on that fact.  MLB and the NBA account for this reality by employing the seven-game series which arguably yields the "best of the best." But, the game of football is much too violent to implement a seven-game series.  So, we are resigned to the breathtaking, heartrending, euphoric, and fantastic spectacle of the Super Bowl...where everything is on the line in ONE game. 

So, while both teams are tremendously talented and equally deserving of victory, here are five reasons  the Niners will raise the Lombardi trophy today.

• Vernon over Rev. Ray - Although Ray Lewis is probably the greatest all-around linebacker in NFL history (Lawrence Taylor was the most groundbreaking and disruptive), his game has slipped significantly in recent years. He's still recovering from injury, and his run support will be severely tested by a great 49er run game. More importantly, Vernon Davis will have a MVP level performance today.  Davis will exploit the Raven defense over the middle and go deep at least once.  I love Ray Lewis, but Rev, your swan song is not likely to be the gospel song "Victory is Mine."
• Gore over Little Ray - Whichever team controls the ball with a dominating run game is likely to win this game.  Both Ray Rice and Frank Gore are capable of having great games. But, I think that "Brother Jim" will be more committed to the run than "Brother John." The Niner offensive line is a monster and will eventually wear down the slightly older and easily exposed Raven defenders who have been nursing injury. Plus, the Ravens have become overly enamored with Flacco and the passing game.
• Kaepernick and the "Read Option" - The Raven defense will have their hands full with this read option.  Luckily, they've had two weeks to prepare for it. But, it will create enough uncertainty and hesitance in Raven defenders to create 2-3 big plays for the Niners today. Kaepernick himself will have at least one big play with his arm and one with his legs...and they will come at crucial moments in the game. Aside from that, Kaepernick must manage the game and play mistake free.
• "Poof" goes the Magic - This is an intangible that is admittedly hard to measure.  But, Joe Flacco, Ray Lewis, Jacoby Jones and the rest of the Ravens have been on a magic carpet ride of sorts. (See the end of the Bronco playoff game)  I think that ends today and they play more like the Ravens we knew during the regular season. If the Niners can endure the initial wave of Ray Lewis induced fanaticism and wait patiently for the inevitable Flacco mistake, the magic will end today.
• Jim over John - Mr. and Mrs. Harbaugh should be the most proud parents in America today.  Their sons are outstanding football coaches and appear to be admirable human beings.  I'm sure they would never choose between their two beloved sons. But, I must make a choice.  Although both have exhibited tremendous skill, courage, and creativity this season and they are both hard-nosed disciples of the Bo Schembechler school of football, Jim gets the edge here.  Just as he had the courage to replace Alex Smith with Colin Kaepernick in mid-season, he won't hesitate to pull Kaepernick and insert Smith if he thinks that will give him the victory. 

The Ravens have a punchers chance to win because they are a team with tremendous heart and an incentive to send Ray Lewis out in style.  But, I'll give the Niners the edge today.  Good luck to both teams!!

Until we rendezvous...

Peace!