The Superbowl matchups.

I've seen a few sites or people comparing Ravens and 49ers players, saying who is better at what position, for instance Baltimore's cornerbacks vs San Fran's cornerbacks.  Personally, I think this is stupid as they don't face each other at all.  So how about we check out the actually matchups that will happen?

Ravens pass blocking vs 49ers pass rush  

Now this is a key matchup.  The 49ers front seven is one of the best in the league.  The Smith duo seem to feed off each other and this team can get to the QB.  Of course Baltimore's o-line change has been great thus far as most of us predicted.  Bryant McKinnie has been great and contrary to previous comments by me, Oher has actually been pretty good at RT since moving back there.  Yanda is a beast and Osemele may have possibly ended any concerns at LG.  Matt Birk is also playing better than expected.  This may very well be the most important matchup of the game.

Ravens QB/WRs vs 49ers secondary

If Baltimore's o-line holds up, I honestly think the passing game while have it's way with the 49ers, although not in some dominating fashion.  If it doesn't, then things become more fun.  The 49ers secondary is playing well overall as a unit.  They could force Torrey Smith to perform one of his disappearing acts but they'll have to keep a safety over the top.  I'm sure Champ Bailey is still waking up in a cold sweat.  I think Carlos Rodgers gets moved to the slot when they bring in a 3rd CB (similar to what we do with Webb) so he'll likely get Boldin all game since AnQuan typically moves to the slot also in 3 wide packages.  Boldin has been Joe's favorite target in the post season so this matchup will be a big one for the Ravens passing game.  Can Boldin out muscle another corner?

Ravens secondary vs 49ers QB/WRs

I actually like Cary Williams and Corey Graham vs Michael Crabtree and Randy Moss.  Crabtree isn't a speed threat and Moss still sucks as a route runner.  The real question will be when Ginn comes in.  His speed is great and I doubt any DB currently on the team could keep up with him, but I don't think he'll see too much time.

The Ravens run defense vs Frank Gore

The run defense hasn't been the dominating force we're used to, but it's gotten better lately.  Ma'ake Kemoeatu is a space eater and Haloti Ngata has been getting back to form.  Even with all his injuries, Terrell Suggs is still pretty good against the run and Courtney Upshaw is actually one of the best 3-4 OLBs against the run (according to profootball focus who ranks him #2).  Then there's Ray Lewis.  He's not running sideline to sideline, but a north and south runner like Gore is perfect to face for Ray's currently level.  That said, I like Gore as a RB a lot.  He sees a hole and hits it hard.  The run defense will have it's hands full.

Colin Capernick vs contain

If I had to pick one area that could win or lose this game for either team, it'll be here.  I've seen talk of how well Capernick's been throwing the ball but the only good defense he's faced since becoming a starter is Seattle and they made him look ordinary.  The Ravens defense in these playoffs has been playing at that level or better and I think they'll limit the passing game well enough.  The probably will be not allowing Capernick to run wild like he did against Green Bay.  Flat out, he won that game with his feet.  Thankfully, Baltimore already faced a similar QB in RG3 and limited him on the ground.  They'll need to do the same thing to Capernick while also holding down the run.  The main concern I have here is that I think we'll play a lot more zone than necessary to keep defenders facing towards Capernick and this defense hasn't impressed me with zone play this season.

Anyway, these are all just my thoughts.  I'm clearly biased so it may reflect in these sections.  I'm not predicting a winner but I think it'll be a close game.  Which ever team makes the better second half adjustments will be world champions.  Hopefully in a month or two, we can discuss whether or not Ozzie decides to trade away the 32nd pick as opposed to the 31st. 

Colin Capernick vs contain

This is perhaps the biggest match-up.  He is theor x-factor and they wouldn't have gone this far with Alex Smith.  The Ravens will need to force this dynamic young man to beat them with his arm.  SF has some good receivers.  Crabtree is a beast to bring down ATC.  Moss is a veteran presence with sure hands and height that is still very dangerous between 10-20 yds.  Then there is Vernon Davis.

Gore will have to come up big and try to gash our rush D.  With the need to contain Kap I see a lot of blitz packages.  LaMichael James is an enigma having to few pro touches to guage his impact.  However, if he gets the ball in space we have answer for him - period.  

Kap is still a young QB and his receivers number shows that pattern of throw to your TE and big receivers and use your LRs a safety valve then left your D bail out your low scoring offense.  The Ravens match well verus the 9ers here and our D will need to press the LoS without over pursuing Kap in the pocket where he can scramble for gains.  force him to pass under pressure and let the secondary handle it in man coverage.  If the LB and safeties can intimidate Vernon Davis, Moss and Gore, the rest will fall into place as long as the offense produces as it has been.  

The other match-up is brother on brother - the coaching.  Who is into who's head more:  John or Jim?  I can;t help but to think that vistory is around the corner, but this is a dangerous opponent and Kap doesn;t know he's "supposed" to be overmatched.  If out D can convince him that he is early, this WILL go in Baltimore's favor.  If not...???  

Ravens secondary vs 49ers QB/WRs

I actually like Cary Williams and Corey Graham vs Michael Crabtree and Randy Moss.  Crabtree isn't a speed threat and Moss still sucks as a route runner.  The real question will be when Ginn comes in.  His speed is great and I doubt any DB currently on the team could keep up with him, but I don't think he'll see too much time.

Crabtree is gonna get open, his route running has gotten significantly better and he really does have great hands to snare those bullets Kaep hurls at him. But if you think Ted Ginn is a threat than you haven't been watching the 49ers at all. He's been returning punts and that's about it really. The bigger threat will be the resurgence of Vernon Davis who poses a threat to ANYBODY trying to cover him. I'm glad Kaep has finally started to click with him, because we'll need the 2 of them to make some big plays come Super Bowl time.

I would say good luck but we all know I wouldn't mean it! May the best team win!!!  



   

Crabtree is gonna get open, his route running has gotten significantly better and he really does have great hands to snare those bullets Kaep hurls at him. But if you think [Ted Ginn] is a threat than you haven't been watching the 49ers at all. He's been returning punts and that's about it really. The bigger threat will be the resurgence of [Vernon Davis] who poses a threat to ANYBODY trying to cover him. I'm glad Kaep has finally started to click with him, because we'll need the 2 of them to make some big plays come Super Bowl time.

Admittedly, I haven't watched many 49ers games this season at all.  Of course, if the 3rd WR isn't a threat and Moss clearly isn't anywhere near as big a threat as he was previously, that leaves two passing threats.  I like the Ravens odds even more.

And yes, I can definitely agree that Crabtree will get his catches in the game.

I agree with the 49ers fan that Vernon Davis is a big x-factor in this game.  He has the speed of a WR and the size of a TE.  I just don't know who the Ravens put on him in man coverage that can handle him.  It certainly can't be a LB. 

If they play alot of zone coverage, as #3 is suggesting they might to keep an eye on Kaepernick, then that plays right into Davis' ability.  Davis up the seam or crossing in front of the LBs is a nightmare for the Ravens in zone coverage.

Agreeing with you guys on Davis.

I watched Vernon since his Terp days and he's always had great speed for a tight end and is a big guy. The key is to not let him get lost in coverage like he was able to do against the Falcons defense.

Not so worried about Crabtree though. He may have gotten a little better at route running, but I don't think he's as impressive as you are making him seem. 

OK, let's get one thing straight...it's K-A-E-P-ernick.  :-)

I live just south of Baltimore.  Good city, good fans.  I went to the Thanksgiving game last year and everyone was really cool.

Good comments on this board.  I think one really underrated aspect of the pistol/read option offense is the play action that comes out of it.  The ends have to respect their contain responsibilities as you guys have pointed out.  I've seen several times where Kaep has all day to throw as a result.  Also, it's almost been forgotten that the Niners can just line up and run the ball when they want to as well.  We got down by 17 against the Falcons and came out and ran it down their throat in the next drive.  

I agree with ravens_R.  I think the most important matchup in this game (the one that really has a chance of going either way) is the Niners pass rush vs. the Ravens pass protect.  The Niners D thrives off of getting pressure with the front 4 and dropping 7.  They haven't done a great job lately, but there are definitely dangerous guys that can get going in this game.  If we are unable to get pressure, the secondary could struggle (duh).  If we have to bring Willis or Bowman to get pressure, Rice could burn us in the screen game.  I really just don't know what to expect from this matchup.  If we get to Flacco, it will be a long day for the Ravens and I think we can hold you guys under 20 points.  If we can't get pressure, Flacco can completely pick us apart just like Ryan did last week.  

I think I like the over in this game.  What is it?  +/- 49?

One last thing, I love how the media is acting like Ray's passion is such a huge part of this game.  I like Ray Lewis.  I think his speeches are fun to watch.  But cmon, this isn't trying to pump a team up for week 6 against the Browns.  This is the Super Bowl.  The Ravens are not hear because of Ray.  They are hear because they are better than the Colts, Broncos, and Patriots.  I truly believe these are the best two teams and neither will have any trouble finding motivation.  
 

 

tyler, I like Boldin and Smith is definitely a great deep threat, but make no mistake about it, Crabtree is the best overall WR in this game.  His production in a run-first offense speaks for itself.  Profootballfocus showed him third in the league in the coveted Yards-per-route-run (YPRR) stat.  He has great hands and is probably the best run after catch reciever in football right now.  He is also a big reason Vernon was able to finally get open more last week.  Crabtree is a beast right now.  Trust me, I'm a completely objective, unbiased source on the topic.  

There is no way I would take Crabtree over Boldin! You honestly think Crabtree is a better WR than Boldin in the playoffs right now?????????? I guess you haven't seen Boldin in the playoffs then, considering he has more yards, receptions, touchdowns and yard average than Crabtree. So how in the world would Crabtree be considered the best receiver on the field over Boldin?

Certainly, Crab has a lot of upside and is hard to bring down.  Boldin in his younger days was an absolute beast being the fastest to several yardage and reception milestones. Q's had a bit of a resurgence in these play-opffs, but I can;t say who is better right now.  Crab has sheer ability and Q is now a seasoned vet with great instincts.  ou might as well be arguing Ray Lewis and Patrick Willis right now.  

No thanks, I'll take the experienced veteran in Boldin, who has been to the Super Bowl before, over the inconsistent Crabtree. Boldin will easily have a better game than Crabtree, but mainly because of how bad the the 49ers secondary has looked. Obviously Boldin is no White or Jones, but I expect a key TD from him in this one and he'll have better numbers than Crabtree. Just don't get in what world you would choose to have an inconsistent receiver who is FINALLY putting up decent numbers over a great vet who is putting up even BETTER numbers.

The prop bets for receiving yards are something like Crabtree at 77.5 and Boldin at 69.5.  I think that's pretty definitive...case closed.

Seriously though, looking back at the stats, these guys have had pretty similar production laterly.  Both guys have been really good in the playoffs.  I guess we'll just have to wait until Sunday to find out who has more production.   

No thanks, I'll take the experienced veteran in Boldin, who has been to the Super Bowl before, over the inconsistent Crabtree.

Not sure where you are getting this inconsistent label. Boldin has been much more inconsistent over his career. Doesn't matter much at this point, both are playing at a very high level.

Most teams choose to double Vernon Davis and make the WR's beat them(like GB did). Crabtree had 119yds and 2 TD's. Then Atlanta went the other way and took away Crabtree. VD went off. Maybe that's what you are talking about with inconsistency. It will be interesting to see who the Ravens focus on.  

Boldin will easily have a better game than Crabtree, but mainly because of how bad the the 49ers secondary has looked.

As bad as you seem to think the 49ers secondary is, it is much better than any the Ravens have faced in the playoffs. The secondary is considered the weakness of the defense, but that's only because of the talent of the players in front of them. I would put the 49ers secondary in the top 5 in the league. 

My key for the game is the Ravens Oline. Can they produce enough of a running game to keep the 49ers honest, and can they keep Flacco clean. If they can do both of those things they win easily. If they do one but not the other it's a close game(most likely). If they can't do either, 49ers win easily. I guess you can say that of almost any game. It's usually won in the trenches, which is why I like the 49ers chances.

Love these debates.  Also nice to see disagreements without any name calling or mudslinging.  Maybe that's from the SF/Haight-Ashbury influence. 


Have to agree with the posts that say the 2 biggest factors in the game are the Ravens OL and who the Ravens D puts more focus on; the 49ers WR's or Vernon Davis. 

On the other hand, I believe that the Ravens have a better passing attack because they have more options.  Crabtree, Moss, and Davis are game breakers/changers, but I don't see alot behind them.  Maybe this is b/c I don't follow them as closely as I do the Ravens.  The Ravens have Smith, Boldin, Pitta, Jones, Dickson, and out of the backfield Rice, Leach, Pierce, and even Anthony Allen on occasion.  Add Tandon Doss (if he can get over his dropsies he had in the last game) as well as what has become one of the better 2-headed rushing attacks in the NFL (my opinion) and this could cause some trouble for the 49ers D.  Of course this goes back to how well the OL can give Joe time to find his receivers and open holes for Rice and Pierce. 

All I know, is if the game is close or goes into OT, the 49ers fans have to pray it doesn't come down to a battle between David Akers and Justin Tucker.  I know who I'll put my money on.        

Crab has sheer ability and Q is now a seasoned vet with great instincts.  ou might as well be arguing Ray Lewis and Patrick Willis right now.

For this playoff run, I'll take Boldin and Willis.  Boldin's been big for Baltimore this year, Joe is finally realizing that he can use Boldin's pure strength and reach to his advantage.  Patrick Willis is just a monster and I think he's one of the most physically gifted MLBs in the game


  

I cannot WAIT for this game!!  I've been waiting for this rematch ever since last Thanksgiving.............and I'm glad to see it being on the biggest stage of the game.

Patrick Willis is just a monster and I think he's one of the most physically gifted MLBs in the game

Willis is an absolute beast, and some will argue that he is not even the best LB on this team.  I've heard some analyst say the Navarro Bowman is a better LB (although they are probably splitting hairs between the two).  Maybe its the fact that Willis gets so much attention.  Either way, I'm glad they are both on SF!!

Anyhow, great debate/discussion.  Although, I dont get where the "inconsistent" Crabtree statement comes from either. 

Ravens pass blocking vs 49ers pass rush  

For all the hype on the 49ers pass rush, they only had 1 more sack than the Ravens did this season (38). The way the Ravens' O-line has played this year, I really don't see this matchup as an advantage for the 49ers. I think the O-line can keep Joe pretty clean. 

Ravens QB/WRs vs 49ers secondary

The 49ers secondary has been pretty solid, though prone to the occasional big play. I think the Ravens will have to be patient in the passing game and take the underneath routes to Boldin, Pitta, and Rice. Hopefully that will open up some deep shots later to Jones and/or Smith. It definitely helps to have reliable recievers like Boldin and Pitta that you can throw to even when they are covered and still get completions. 

Ravens secondary vs 49ers QB/WRs

While the Ravens secondary has been somewhat maligned this year, they've played fairly well of late. They've been pretty opportunistic. If Kaepernick throws a bad ball or two, this secondary has shown that it can turn that into a turnover. I'm not sure how much speed Moss has left as I've not watched much of the 49ers, but that would be the only thing that would concern me in this matchup. Sure Crabtree will get his receptions, but I don't see him beating anyone deep for big plays and The Ravens have shown that they are willing to give up shorter passes and punish the recievers on the back end. 

The Ravens run defense vs Frank Gore

The run defense has not been as good as in the past and have been gashed for some big runs. We also haven't seen as many run stuffs as in the past. That said, the center of the line has been getting healthier so I think they are more vulnerable on the edges. The ends will have to be diligent about not getting sucked inside and holding contain. I'm lumping this one in with containing Kaepernick. When it comes to the option, I think they need to make sure they have contain outside and then hit Kaepernick every time they run the option. Even if he pitches the ball, I would still hit him hard. The rules about hitting the QB do not apply in that situation. I think if they can get some solid hits on him, he'll be more prone to some mistakes later. The key in the passing game is to make sure that they bring Kaepernick down when they get to him. He's very capable of escaping the pocket after a missed sack opportunity and stealing 20+ yards.

Overall I think the teams matchup really well in all areas, so it should be a dogfight of a game. I think points will be scored, likely with both teams finding the endzone at least a few times. The real deciding factor could be David Akers. The game could come down to a FG and I'm not sure I'd be very confident in Akers at this point. I think the Ravens are much more comfortable in their kicker than the 49ers are. Looking forward to a great game this weekend!

Yeah...Akers...ugh.  Fortunately, we've been getting into the endzone a lot this post season.  His miss last week could've proved very costly.  There is no room for missing 38 yard field goals in the Super Bowl, I'll tell you that much.  It's amazing how quickly he went from being a huge weapon to being a complete liability.  I've never seen a descent quite this quick.  Here's hoping he's been seeing the Dr. Andrews equivalent of sports psychologists the last couple weeks.

I actually agree that our sack numbers get overrated based on what we did on Monday night against the Bears terrible O-line.  I think we got like 20% of our sacks in that game.  However, pass rush is more complex than sacks.  Hits and hurries mean an awful lot as well.  Also (and I don't have numbers on this) I think I read somewhere that we have one of the lowest blitz rates (bringing more than 4 guys) in the NFL.  Our D thrives when they can get pressure with four and drop the other 7 in 2nd and 3rd and long situations.  That and making tackles (btw, I mean REAL tackles...not just Ray Lewis jumping on at the end of the play and getting credited with like four tackles in one play...kidding!).

Man, I'm not sure I can make it 5 more days....     

Just happy you guys didn't hold on to Cundiff for the Ravens sake. Can't even imagine the idea of the possibility of him trying to kick a game winning field goal against his former team in the Super Bowl. 

 Also (and I don't have numbers on this) I think I read somewhere that we have one of the lowest blitz rates (bringing more than 4 guys) in the NFL

I saw that somewhere also.  San Fran is dead last on percentage of blitzes her snap.  Getting pressure with four while seven drop into coverage is a great way to win games.  The Giants won a superbowl against the NFL's best offense in history like that.  I'm just glad the current o-line isn't as bad as that Bears o-line you mentioned