Showcase Showdown

Super Bowl XLVII Champion Debate

Baltimore Ravens vs. San Francisco 49ers
By Caleb Musselman and Ryan Frisco



Photo Cred www.fox5sandiego.com

We are just a few short days away from Super Bowl XLVII. The excitement is contagious and the storylines are endless. As of Wednesday, San Francisco is a 3.5 point favorite in this highly anticipated Harbaugh showdown. However, if any analyst is honest with him/herself, there is really no legitimate favorite in this matchup. The 49ers most likely have the edge because of overall talent at each position, but Baltimore makes up for in passion what they lack in talent. In this week’s Showcase Showdown, Ryan and I will debate our Super Bowl picks.

I’ve got San Fran. Ryan’s got the Ravens.

Caleb – My head tells me Baltimore because of their outrageous momentum coming in, but my heart tells me San Francisco. I learned my lesson last week about the head and the heart. The 49ers will win for a few reasons. First, with the exception of the WR position, they are equal or stronger at almost every position. The Ravens bread and butter is its line-backing core. They are stronger than almost every NFL team at this position, except for one team, and that team happens to be San Fran. Patrick Willis is the Ray Lewis of his generation, and he leads a stiflingly athletic 49er Defense. Second, Joe Flacco has been fantastic this postseason. In fact, almost too good. I think he’s due for a mediocre performance. Obviously this is just conjecture, but I have a feeling that Flacco could fold under the pressure. I have much more to say but I’ll give my friend a chance to rebut. Ryan?

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Ryan – Caleb, I’m happy to hear that you learned the crucial lesson of listening to your heart instead of your head.  Unfortunately this time, I fear your heart is in the wrong place.  In a dome free from the outside elements, Joe Flacco is going to have a field day.  Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin are the league’s closest comparison to Julio Jones and Roddy White, and we saw what that tandem did to San Fran’s secondary two weeks ago in the first half.  They lacked the drive and passion to close; the Ravens will close the second half out. Disagree?

Caleb - There is no comparing this Ravens passing attack to the Falcons. Having 3 of the best receivers in the league on one squad is enough to give any Defense fits. The Ravens have 3 good receivers, but they are not the Falcons. Additionally, Flacco is not Matt Ryan. Carlos Rogers is a very underrated safety who will lock down Smith or Boldin, whoever he’s matched against. I have no doubt the Ravens deep attack will be successful. However, San Francisco’s running attack and ability to control the clock on long TD drives is going to cause problems for Baltimore. This may be a solid Ravens passing attack, but how effective can they be if they aren’t on the field?

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Ryan – Easy.  This Ravens offense WILL control the Time of Possession battle.  Yes, the 49ers have a great rushing attack.  Three powerful backs, plus one of, if not the fastest, quarterback in the league.  But check out the Baltimore defense in the playoffs; they haven’t let up a 100 yard rusher.  They haven’t let up a single rushing touchdown.  And, they’ve only allowed four touchdowns in three playoff games.  This new Baltimore defense is clamp down solid.  No one, not even Frank Gore, is getting through them.  Ray Rice is the elite overall running back on the field, and between his powerful, agile running and his presence in the passing game, Baltimore is going to eat up the clock.  Do you seriously think San Francisco can manage more then 21?

Caleb – Yes, in fact, I think both teams will score more than 21. I just don’t see this being a low-scoring game. The more I think about this game, the more I think it will come down to turnovers. Both of these teams have the ability to strike quickly, but they also both have the ability to grind the clock: the mark of two truly complete teams. However, a big turnover in a big moment is enough to crush an entire season. I’m thinking Bernard Pierce, the guy who steals all of Ray Rice’s carries, is going to get one too many touches and cough the ball up in a big spot. Do you really think Flacco will go another game without a pick? He’s due.

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Ryan – You are right, these teams do both have a complete offense.  And I agree, I think a big turnover may play a major factor in this game.  It’s going to be close, we both know that.  So, in a close game, what does it come down to?  The kickers.  This game will be decided by one score.  One missed field goal is what crushes this season, not a turnover.  Justin Tucker has missed 3 of 33 (91%) while Akers has missed 13 of 42 (69%).  Who do you trust under pressure?  (And don’t play the experience card, Tucker has proven he’s solid under pressure).

Caleb – Every kicker has his rough points in his career. David Akers has solidified himself as one of the best in the game over the past 15 years. Further, he has been waiting for his second chance at a ring for a few years now. He’s had a rough season, but he won’t miss on anything under 45 yards in this one. He understands the gravity of the moment. Finally, neither Jim nor John Harbaugh has lost after a bye week in their coaching careers. So maybe we’re looking at a 6 OT thriller? I hope so. I’m going 49ers 27-24. Akers with a chip shot for the win. What you got son?

Ryan – Hmm, I like the idea of an overtime thriller.  I don’t think I’ve seen a Super Bowl go OT yet.  And these are definitely the teams to do it.  I don’t necessarily like to argue what I’m about to, but I’m going to do it anyway.  This game comes down to the drive and motivation to win.  The Ravens have that.  The 49ers don’t.  We’ve seen the passion that Baltimore has displayed this post season.  They don’t give up.  It’s never over for them.  They will not let this season end until they are on top.  Kaep will have more chances definitely, but this year, no soup for you! Akers will miss an early, long FG.  49ers drive late, but stall at the 20.  Final Score Ravens 21 - 49ers 17.

This ends the pre Super Bowl coverage.  What do you think?  Who’s going to come out on top in the Super Bowl?  We’d love to hear your opinion!  Comment below and let us have it for dissing your team!