Sep 23, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin (12) gains 14 yards on a pass play as he passes by San Francisco 49ers safety Dashon Goldson (38) in the fourth quarter at the Metrodome. Vikings win 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

First a disclaimer. I’m not in any way comparing Boldin to Harvin athletically. There is no comparison there and I understand that. Of course Harvin is a better pickup overall and, in terms of “sexy personnel moves,” looks better than Boldin by a mile. Also, I’m not necessarily saying that the two will have equally productive seasons. (Personally, I think they will.) Again, I am comparing the all-inclusive position pick-ups.

Seattle gets an A+ because Harvin makes Seattle better at three different positions and is one of the most explosive, game-changing players in the NFL at all of them. He makes the Hawks better in every offensive phase of the game. He also gives Seattle exactly what they were missing in the receiving corps, which is the more important mark for that grade.

Meanwhile, San Francisco gets an A+ at the position because of what they get in Boldin compared to what they gave up (a 5th round draft pick). Also, Marlon Moore will add nice depth to their already solid rotation. Moore hasn’t done much in his NFL career, but I watched enough of his games at Fresno State to project that he’ll break out in the next year or two. If you consider what Boldin adds to the San Francisco receiving rotation of Michael Crabtree, Mario Manningham (albeit returning from injury), Vernon Davis, and A.J. Jenkins, I feel my point is driven home.

Here’s the kicker. If you insist on doing a head-to-head comparison and believe that Boldin isn’t as productive, or is somehow an entire grade or two lower than Harvin because of his age, the numbers don’t support you at all. Anquan Boldin started all 15 games he played in last season. He had 65 receptions, 921 yards (14.2 average) and 4 touchdowns. That includes a Super Bowl performance with 6 receptions, 104 yards, and 1 touchdown. Percy Harvin played in nine games and started eight of them. He had 62 receptions, 677 yards (10.9 avg) and just 3 receiving touchdowns.

What stands out about those numbers and some other stats?

• Boldin, even at 32, can stay healthy throughout the season. While Harvin claims to be 100% healthy this off-season, he was hurt a few times in 2012 and played in only 9 of 17 football games.
• Boldin’s per catch average is significantly higher than Harvin’s. With only three more receptions, Boldin has nearly 250 more receiving yards, dispelling the myth that Boldin isn’t a down-field receiving threat. Screw the 40 time! Boldin can get down the field and use his size in extraordinary fashion to fend off defenders. He also has tremendous hands as he hasn’t fumbled once in the past two seasons. Harvin has fumbled four times.
• Percy Harvin’s best season was two seasons ago when he totaled 87 catches for 967 yards and 6 touchdowns. However, his yards per reception were still relatively low for a player of his caliber (11.1). In fact Percy Harvin’s per catch average has gone down in each of his four NFL seasons. Conversely, Boldin is about to start his 11th season and two of his three best per catch averages have been obtained over the past two seasons. Harvin hasn’t beat either of those numbers, ever.
• The longest touchdowns in 2011 and 2012 for Boldin were 56 and 43 yards. Harvin sits at 52 and 45, respectively.
• In 2011, with 30 less catches, Boldin ended the season only 80 yards behind Harvin (967 to 887).

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Carlos Rogers (22) in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Granted, in the open field there are few better than Harvin. Boldin can’t touch the breakaway speed that Harvin possesses. Obviously the two don’t compare athletically at this point and I think that Harvin is perhaps the only player in the NFL who provides an A+ grade to the Seahawks’ offensive roster. I’ve watched both play many, many times over the past two seasons and folks, Anquan is every bit the receiver Percy is. For San Francisco and Colin Kaepernick, it’s also worth noting that Boldin gives them the only type of receiver that typically gives Seattle problems, big and physical at 6’1″, 220 pounds. Just look at Julio Jones’, Roddy White’s, and Tony Gonzales’ performances against Seattle.

To take it one step further, in 2012 the threat of Boldin and Ray Rice made teammate Torrey Smith virtually unstoppable down-field. Smith reeled in 49 catches for 855 yards (17.4 avg) and 8 touchdowns. If you think Crabtree and Davis were dangerous down the field with Frank Gore at running back, look out, because Boldin just bumped their value up as well.

Quite frankly, to say that Boldin (and you can also include Marlon Moore as a bonus depth pick-up) is anything less than an A+ addition to the 49ers’ receiving corps tells me that you haven’t watched him play, haven’t seen the numbers or perhaps you’re just unreasonably biased.

Oh, did I mention Anquan Boldin has two Super Bowl rings?

Go Hawks!

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the San Francisco 49ers 34-31 in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens won the Super Bowl proving yet again that regular season records mean little in predicting the playoffs. By translating a 10-6 record in to a 4-0 playoff run, the Ravens have made history by becoming the first team in history to win a Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers.

When NFC West football coaches, players, and fans look back on this season, the biggest lesson might be, “Make sure to show up to play in the first half of playoff games.” While both the Seahawks and 49ers looked as talented as any team in football this year, their habit of digging themselves in to a hole and relying on perfect execution late in games backfired. Instead of the NFC West holding a Lombardi Trophy, the 49ers finish the season more closely resembling the team that couldn’t beat the Rams than the team that was predicted by many to win it all.

In my last article I predicted that the Ravens would pass to set up the run. As it would turn out, the Ravens rushing attack was never a factor at all. Luckily for them, they scored their three offensive touchdowns on pass plays. They ended the game with only 93 rushing yards, and averaged a measly 2.7 yards per carry. On a normal day, that would not be enough to move the chains.

However, especially for Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco, this was not a normal day. His three first half touchdowns were enough to bury the 49ers in a deep hole. They were also enough to set a new NFL record with 11 touchdown passes in a single post season without an interception.

Flacco’s first pass was thrown to the middle of the end zone to Anquan Boldin who found a pocket between two defenders. The next touchdown was a 1-yard pass to Dennis Pitta who calmly spiked the ball. The body language of the Ravens squad exuded confidence. The third touchdown made people stop and look. It was a 56-yard completion to Jacoby Jones, who caught the ball in the air, fell down, and got up in time to elude San Francisco defenders on his way to the end zone.

With the possession of the ball to start the second half, the Ravens were in good position with a 21-6 lead at halftime. By the time Jacoby Jones returned the opening kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown, things were looking great.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Power out in half of the dome in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY Sports

It looked like a good old fashioned Super Bowl blowout, until, of all things, the power went out in the Super Dome. While the power outage delayed the game for 34 minutes, it is impossible to judge what effect it had on the two teams. Some say that the 49ers benefited by being allowed to regroup and kill Baltimore’s momentum.

It could be just as easily presumed that Baltimore benefited from the blackout, by being allowed to regain some energy that allowed them to withstand the onslaught that was soon to come. In the end, the real beneficiary of the power out was probably the bar owners across the world who kept their patrons drinking for an extra half hour. At the end of the unexpected intermission, the game really started to get competitive, and turned in to what many called an instant classic.

Colin Kaepernick, who was flustered and ineffective early, suddenly was able to connect with Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis. Both receivers topped one hundred yards, and Crabtree hauled in a touchdown. The other two 49er touchdowns were run in by Frank Gore who ran for a game best 110 yards, and Kaepernick who celebrated his touchdown run with a highly predictable kiss of his tattoo.

While the touchdown brought the 49ers to within a field goal of the Ravens, perhaps Kaepernick’s celebration was a bit premature if not entirely unnecessary. The Ravens would go on to build their lead to 5 on a Justin Tucker field goal giving the 49ers time to take the lead.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) reaches for the ball on fourth down in the fourth quarter against Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed (20) in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

However, Baltimore’s defense held tight on a four-down goal line stand that included one controversial non-call in the end zone on a ball thrown to Michael Crabtree. While Jimmy Smith clearly had a handful of jersey, Crabtree was also engaged in contact. Being that it’s a Super Bowl, I’m a big believer in letting the players play, and saving the flags for obvious penalties, like the illegal formation that stalled a promising opening drive by San Francisco.

After turning the ball over on downs, San Francisco’s defense was able to hold the Ravens to a three and out. The Ravens, who had faked a field goal earlier in the game, pulled another unorthodox special teams move. With twelve seconds left, the punter, Sam Koch, scrambled around in the end zone for eight seconds before running out of bounds giving the 49ers a safety and two points.

The score tightened to 3 points, but with four seconds left on the clock, a field goal was not a possibility. Instead of punting from the end zone with 12 seconds left, the Ravens were able to kick off with four seconds left. There were no repeats of the music city miracle as Baltimore’s kickoff team found the ball quickly, and made the winning tackle as time expired.

It was a fitting end to an exciting season of NFL football. The Ravens have some questions surrounding an aging defense, and a free agent quarterback, but have been consistently competitive over the years. The 49ers also look like they’re built to compete for years to come.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) celebrates with the cheerleaders after defeating the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, and Denver Broncos all exited the playoffs with unfulfilled expectations. Expect them to be in the thick of the hunt next season. But, until then, The Baltimore Ravens deserve to hold their well-earned title of NFL Champions.

Jan 31, 2013, New Orleans, LA, USA; General view of the downtown New Orleans skyline and Benson Tower and Mercedes-Benz Superdome in advance of Super Bowl XLVII between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The match up for Super Bowl XLVII is incredibly difficult to call. Both teams have overcome adversity, and both teams have weaknesses. In fact, I don’t totally trust either quarterback, or defense. Baltimore shut out the New England Patriots in the second half of the AFC Championship game, but San Francisco runs a totally different offense. San Francisco plays physical, but their defense almost let the Atlanta Falcons run away with the game early on in the NFC Championship game.

As for the quarterbacks, Joe Flacco has won playoff games in each of his seasons in the league, but he has also lost playoff games in each of those seasons. Colin Kaepernick has great skills, but he was shut down by the Seattle Seahawks in a prime time match up earlier in the season.

Both teams also have questions on special teams. San Francisco’s place kicker, David Akers, has missed several field goal attempts. The Baltimore Ravens, on the other hand, have a better kicker in Justin Tucker, but have been known to blow coverages on kick offs and punts.

In the passing game, The Ravens have a slight edge with their deep threat of Flacco to Torrey Smith. Anquan Boldin, and Dennis Pitta are solid, but The 49ers have the better overall receiving corps with Michael Crabtree, Randy Moss, and Vernon Davis.

Jan 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) catches a pass for a touchdown under pressure from Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (24) in the second quarter during the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Both teams are solid in the run game. Baltimore’s Ray Rice is the top rusher in the playoffs this season with 247 yards. However, Frank Gore is number three with 230 yards in one less game. Right behind him is San Francisco quarterback Colin Kapernick has put up a jaw-dropping 202 yards rushing in his first NFL postseason.  183 of those yards came in one game against the Green Bay Packers.

Historically, both teams boast impressive records. San Fransisco is undefeated in five trips to the Super Bowl, and Baltimore has won one Super Bowl, and holds the best post season record of any team in history at .650. Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco also has the most wins away from home of any quarterback in history at six.

San Francisco’s last Super Bowl victory was in 1995. Baltimore’s was in 2000. Because the 49ers history is much older than the Ravens’, I don’t see that playing any part in predicting this game. While they still have the mystique of being the 49ers, they are only three years removed from being one of the most underachieving teams in football. At the same time, the Ravens have been in the thick of the hunt for the better part of the past fourteen seasons.

In the previous round, both teams beat pass-first teams to get to the game, so it’s hard to tell how either will react to each other’s run-first attacks. But, it might be fair to say that the game will go to which ever team manages to pull off the first big pass plays, and if it comes down to that, my money is on Joe Flacco.

Both teams dodged bullets to get to the super bowl. The Ravens had a miraculous comeback against the Broncos, and the 49ers mounted an impressive come back against the Falcons. That should indicate that this game will be competitive until the end, even if one team gets off to a quick start.

On the line, the edge should go to San Francisco’s defense vs. Baltimore’s offense. Running the ball will be a challenge.   So, I expect Baltimore to pass early to set up the run. Don’t be surprised if they take a shot at the endzone on first or second down of their first drive if they are not trailing.

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) scores on a touchdown run past Atlanta Falcons strong safety William Moore (25) during the fourth quarter in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco, on the other hand, has to hope that their read option offense has enough spark to confuse a veteran Ravens defense led by Ray Lewis who may have lost a step in terms of speed, but still reads an offense as well as anybody in history. I expect the Ravens to minimize Kaepernick’s rushing attack forcing Frank Gore to provide the bulk of the ground yards. Meanwhile, Kaepernick will have to rely on his arm, the major factor that set him apart from his teammate Alex Smith. Expect Gore to have a big game, and expect Kaepernick to air it out.

In the end, I believe that the Ravens’ experience, will outmatch the youth of the 49ers. The Ravens have spent years deliberatley improving their offense. The plan was to balance out their great defense to have a shot to win a super bowl. Now that they have made it back to the dance, I expect them to show up with their laces tied tight, and ready to rumble.

Ravens: 24 49ers: 17

Reasons for optimism

This game is going to be a defensive struggle. While the Raven’s defense is better than Seattle’s overall, it is a good matchup for the Seahawks. Baltimore’s running game is pretty weak, and Seattle’s stout run defense should have no trouble shutting it down without help from safeties Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor. This will free up that duo to help defend the pass.

In the passing game, Baltimore’s primary weapon is Anquan Boldin. Boldin is just the type of receiver that the Seahawks are built to stop. Bolding a big, tall receiver that uses his size out mussel the ball away from defenders. Seahawk corners Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman are built to cover guys like that. It’s the smaller, faster receivers like Pittsburg’s Mike Wallace that the Seahawks struggle against.  (more…)

“The 49ers will be a playoff team this season. I’m making that prediction,” Craig told AOL Fanhouse. “They were 8-8 last season. You saw what happened.”

Craig continued to ramble about how the 49ers could have easily finished the season 12-4, citing four games that the team should have – and could have – easily won. Of the four games, Craig mentioned a 20-17 loss in week 13 to the Seattle Seahawks.

“So that’s 12-4 right there. Those four games could have changed the season around. They were that close. I think they’re going to be very strong contenders this year.”

And despite Craig’s confidence in San Francisco’s football team, he didn’t forget to point out that other teams in the NFC West are struggling.

“You think about the division – Kurt Warner isn’t with Arizona anymore, so they’re going to be rebuilding, and Anquan Boldin is gone. And Pete Carroll is going to have a tough time the first year. He’s not going to come out of the gate really dominating the West.”

Opinionated and confident, but still quite humorous that Craig didn’t even bother mentioning the St. Louis Rams.

If Roger Craig is correct, “the 49ers are the perfect team to annihilate the NFC West.”

Of course, Craig didn’t leave the interview without taking at least one more shot at the Seattle Seahawks. Commenting on Taylor Mays, who Craig considers a huge steal as a second-round pick, he cannot wait for the former Southern Cal player to take revenge on Pete Carroll. “I can’t wait until [Taylor Mays] plays against Seattle, because I know his horns will be out and he’ll be ready to take some heads off.”

I suppose you could say we have been warned.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
Follow 12th Man Rising

I‘ve been campaigning for Kurt Warner to leave Arizona. In my mind, I’ll take anything that will keep him from passing deep balls to Larry Fitzgerald next season. If it makes life in the NFC West more comfortable [than it already is], I’m all for it.

Unfortunately for my campaign efforts, it looks like Seahawks fans will have to dread a year or two more of Warner in a Cardinals uniform.

According to a report on ESPN.com, the Arizona Cardinals and Kurt Warner have agreed to a two-year, $23 million dollar deal with $19 guaranteed. Big news for Cardinals fans, awful (and frustrating) news for the rest of us.

Now we can only hope the Arizona Cardinals don’t follow through with Kurt’s other demand: restructuring the contract of Anquan Boldin.

Whatever the reason, I sure wouldn’t mind him leaving Arizona. Yes, Warner is a free agent, but from a few telling quotes, it appears he may be leaning towards retirement. 12^th Man, rejoice. Although Warner may be on his way out, it doesn’t mean they don’t have a capable replacement in line – Leinart has a 71.7 quarterback rating through 21 career games (okay, maybe I’m being halfway sarcastic).

Who do you think I’d rather see play quarterback for a division rival next season? A guy who just took them to the Super Bowl and is building his resume for the Hall of Fame, or the inexperienced alternative who has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns in his career? Not to mention anything about the lethal Warner-to-Fitzgerald rapport that has developed into a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators.

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