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

Dec 23, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Sidney Rice (18) reacts after the Seattle Seahawks scored a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the 1st half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated San Francisco 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

As if we thought this 2012 Season couldn’t get any better, after back to back scoring 50 points plus, the Seattle Seahawks beat the San Francisco 49ers in decisive fashion 42-13. The Seahawks were able to beat the 49ers at their own game, Toughness. This game was over after the 1st Quarter, all of the national media had built this game up to be the game of the week and 2 minutes into the 2nd Quarter the Hawks were up 21-0. As a Seahawks fan you cannot help but get excited for what the future might hold and it gets even more exciting listening to all of the East Coast Biased media finally seeing how good Russell Wilson and company truly are.

Offense A+

This game was dominated by Russell Wilson, it was easy to forget or not even notice that Marshawn Lynch had 111 yards, 1 rushing touchdown and 1 receiving touchdown. Wilson’s numbers do not jump off the page but if you watched the game he was not overly pressured consistently throughout the game (although 49ers beast Justin Smith did not play). When the 49ers did get pressure on him he stepped up in the pocket or ran around with his eyes downfield looking to throw at all times. Wilson even ran around 1 time on a play that ended up lasting 17 seconds. His ability to move around in the pocket is one of his greatest strengths. In a typical December in Seattle where the rain continuously fell, Russell Wilson stood out among many stars by throwing 4 touchdowns.

The Seahawks Wide Receivers did not have huge numbers but they were surprisingly sure handed given the conditions. Doug Baldwin had 2 huge touchdown catches, and Sidney Rice again proved that he is the sure handed possession receiver the Hawks need on 3rd down. Anthony McCoy again had a touchdown as he is quickly becoming a huge target as the number 2 Tight End.

The Seahawks also were able to limit their penalties which have been a huge issue this season. The Offensive line has repeatedly killed drives with inopportune holding and false start penalties but they were almost nonexistent in this game. As a team the Seahawks only had 4 penalties for 45 yards.

Defense B+

The Seahawks had a bend don’t break attitude for this game. They allowed 313 yards and it seemed as though Colin Kaepernick was able to move up and down the field but the Seahawks Defense put the brakes on the 49ers drives once they got into the redzone.

The Seahawks secondary or the Legion of Boom as they are known; hit the 49ers hard right out of the gate. Vernon Davis left with a concussion on what appeared to be a clean hard hit from Kam Chancellor. Richard Sherman was all over the field as usual and he also had an interception in the end zone while guarding Randy Moss, Sherman appeared to bait Kaepernick into throwing the ball before flashing in front of Moss and snatching the ball.

The Seahawks were able to get a huge drive killing sack on Kaepernick. Although, this defense is predicated on speed and they need to start getting to the Quarterback with more regularity. The 49ers used a lot of short quick passes to not allow the Seahawks to use their Defensive lines speed.

Jeremy Lane made his second straight start at right corner in place of Brandon Browner (suspended) and Walter Thurmond (injured). Lane is a smaller corner (6ft) than Browner and so he is not able to use the bump and run quite as regularly but his smaller frame allowed him to stay with the quicker 49ers Receivers.

Special Teams B+

The special teams did not have a major role in this game. Jon Ryan only had to punt the ball 1 time. Steven Hauschka had zero field goal attempts and 6 extra points.

The major Special Team’s contribution came from (Big) Red Bryant as he blocked a short chip shot David Akers field goal early in the 2nd quarter. Richard Sherman picked the ball up and returned it for a Seahawks touchdown that seemed to take the wind out the 49ers.

Wrap Up

All in all this was a huge Win for the Seattle Seahawks. This was a Nationally televised game that showed the World that the Seahawks are no longer just a great Defensive team. In the words ESPN Merril Hoge “Seattle fans should be very excited about your Team, because Teams win Championships.” The Seahawks are no longer going to be unknown, the league is taking notice. The Seahawks are going into week 17 knowing that they are in the playoffs and they just need to keep their momentum because they are the hottest if not 1 of the hottest teams in the NFL. #InRusswetrust (Russell Wilson)

We know all about their front 7. Justin Smith is still the best in the league at his position. Aldon Smith is still an elite pass rusher. Navarow Bowman and Patrick Willis are still 2 of the best 3-4 ILBs you’ll find.

We know all about that offensive line, which is still the best in the NFL. We’re also fully aware of Frank Gore’s power style, and Vernon Davis’s ability to outrun 95% of LBs in the league.

We also know full well about their weaknesses at WR that’s led them to rely on an ancient already-lost-two-and-a-half-steps Randy Moss. Just like we are quite familiar with their average CBs overrated safeties who look better than they are because of the quality pass rush the front 7 creates.

Yes, we already know about the 49ers.

We know all about their run first offense, how they protect the football, and how they play offense knowing they don’t need to score 30 to win. We’re also aware that their defense is good enough for them to win even if their offense can’t get to 20.

We’ve seen all this before. Everything, except their new QB.

Dec 16, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks to pass the ball against the New England Patriots during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the New England Patriots 41-34. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Colin Kaepernick is now under center, in place of Alex Smith. If you’re a 49er fan, thats a good thing, and thus it’s a bad thing for us Seahawks fans. Alex Smith is simply mediocre, there’s no other way to put it. His biggest asset, and the only reason the 49ers won with him, was that he avoided turnovers. He lacked the ability to make the big throws. Kaepernick on the other handhas a much bigger arm than Smith, and it really shows up on the tape. He regularly makes throws that Smith simply can’t make.

One thing that both QBs do well is run. Smith has been one of the better runner at his position for years, but he wasn’t that dynamic player in the ground game the way many of the QB who’ve entered the league in the last 2 season have been. Kaepernick is. He doesn’t have the escapability that Wilson does, but he’s got the straight line speed that is usually reserved for wide receivers.

The one drawback to the QB change is that Kaepernick is still going through the growing pains that all first year starters go through. He makes mistakes. He doesn’t see open receivers. He… plays a lot like Russell Wilson did 6-8 weeks ago. We he’s on he can be very good, and when he’s off he can be frustrating to watch.

In my opinion, Harbaugh made the right choice at QB. I just wish he’d waited to make it until after this week. Kaepernick makes the 49ers better, and for a Seahawk fan, that’s not a good thing.

I just always assumed Alex Smith was returning to San Francisco, and why not. The Niners are coming off a 13-3 season, Smith wants to return, the 49ers want him back, why wouldn’t this happen, right? Even once free agency started, Smith wasn’t visiting other teams, and the 49ers had reportedly offered him a fairly hefty contract.

But then the strangest thing happened. Nothing. Here we are over a week later and Smith still remains unsigned. So what gives? It turns out that Smith is looking for a long term commitment from the 49ers, and that isn’t the contract that has been offered. The 49ers have apparently offered a 3 year contract, but it is apparently a 2 year contract with a tacked on 3rd year that there is no way that he actually gets to keep unless he turns into Tom Brady.

It turns out that the 49ers see Colin Kaepernick, and not Smith, as their QB of the future. They aren’t going to give Smith a long term contract when they believe that Kaepernick is going to be taking over soon. Complicating things further is the revelation that the 49ers were the “mystery team” that were vying for the services of Peyton Manning. Clearly they aren’t committed to Smith.

Enter the Seahawks, desperate for a QB, and wouldn’t be all that against screwing over their division rival if they are able to. Now we’re hearing rumors that the Seahawks are interested and have been talking to Smith’s people. Connecting the dot isn’t too tough here.

The thing is, I just don’t buy it. Smith isn’t a top QB. That’s why the 49ers aren’t willing to commit to him long term, so why would the Seahawks? While Smith is a small upgrade over Tarvaris Jackson, there’s no reason for the Seahawks to commit to him any more than the 49ers would want to.

Which is why I don’t think it will ever happen. Smith is looking for a long term deal. The Seahawks are looking for a 2 year stop-gap upgrade to give them a chance to draft and develop a long-term solution. So while it might be nice for the Seahawks to try and hurt the 49ers, this just isn’t a fit for either player or team.