Whether you want to remember it as the Harbaugh Bowl, the Harbowl, or Ray Lewis’ last game, Super Bowl 47 was certainly a game for the ages. Two weeks prior to the big game both the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens faced stiff competition in their respective conference championship games. The Niners seized the NFC title after rallying from a 17-0 deficit to defeat the upstart Atlanta Falcons, while the Ravens finally overcame the New England Patriots to represent the AFC.
This year’s Super Bowl, like its predecessors, featured its fair share of pre-game hype. The 49ers were making their first appearance in the big game since 1995, and their 5-0 Super Bowl franchise record certainly played a part in this year’s squad being the favorite for the game. The Ravens on the other hand were playing their first championship game in 12 years; the last time they were here none other than Ray Lewis was the game’s most valuable player.
Just before the postseason, Lewis announced that he would be retiring following the conclusion of the playoffs. The standout linebacker will absolutely go down as one of the greatest to ever play his position, and there is no doubt that Canton is awaiting his arrival in five years.
Another storyline highlighted the coaching matchup between Raven’s head coach Jon Harbaugh squaring off against his younger brother Jim. Both coaches have had impressive thus far in their coaching careers, and the last time they coached against one another it was Jim Harbaugh who got the best of his younger brother.
Moreover, both team’s quarterbacks had much to prove heading into this game. Baltimore’s starting quarterback Joe Flacco has been on record on saying that he believes that he is an elite quarterback. Although his statistics may not show it his postseason record has certainly been impressive, and if it weren’t for a miraculous pass to Jacoby Jones in the AFC Divisional Round the Ravens wouldn’t have even made the Super Bowl. San Francisco’s starter Colin Kaepernick was not even the starter at the beginning of the season, but went Alex Smith was concussed in the middle of the season, Kap filled in and hit the ground running with the job.
Super Bowl Media is always a crazy day meant for the fans and press to get a sense of how the players and coaches are feeling prior to the big game. The most noticeable interview this year had to be 49er wide receiver Randy Moss. The brash Moss had a disappointing season, to say the least, after sitting out the entire 2011 season. The former Pro Bowl wideout stated that he firmly believed that he was, “the greatest receiver ever.” While he will likely end up being voted in the Hall of Fame, Moss isn’t even the greatest wide receiver to play for the 49ers — has he ever heard the name Jerry Rice?!
The game in New Orleans itself was absolutely terrific. The Ravens jumped out to a quick start with Flacco connected early on with Anquan Boldin. The young San Francisco squad seemed nervous facing off against the more experienced Ravens and Kaepernick was struggling as he threw a bad interception to none other than Baltimore safety Ed Reed. His opposition Flacco, however, was on fire and he ended the first half with three passing touchdowns, leading the Ravens to a 21-6 halftime lead.
Following a scintillating halftime performance from Beyoncé, Baltimore seemed to carry their momentum from the first half with them as Jacoby Jones returned a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to start the second half. The play was the longest in Super Bowl history, and it was Jones’ second score of the game after another bomb from Flacco in the first half.
It seemed as though the game was over after this huge play, but the 49ers definitely caught a break as play was halted for 34 minutes due to a power outage in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. This occurrence was absolutely unacceptable, especially in a game of this magnitude. Both teams seemed upset but the Niners came out firing on all cylinders after play was resumed.
Kaepernick was much more relaxed and the San Francisco defense began to play with a much greater tenacity. The Ravens on the other hand seemed sluggish and they let San Fran get right back into the game. After a 15-yard touchdown run by Kaepernick the score was 31-29 and the 49ers seemed to have the momentum on their side. After a quick stop, Kaepernick had the ball in his hands once again and he drove his side inside the Baltimore ten yard line. However, Ray Lewis would have none of this. Following a controversial no call a potential holding penalty in the end zone, the Ravens had stopped San Francisco at their own goal line, which ultimately marked Baltimore’s second championship in franchise history.
While the Niners suffered a devastating defeat after nearly coming back, they should certainly hold their heads high. San Francisco has a very talented young team and with Kaepernick with a full offseason to prepare as the team’s undisputed leader, they will likely be one of the favorites heading into the 2013 season. The champions on the other hand have many question marks, and Baltimore general manger Ozzie Newsome has many decisions to make for the cap-strapped Ravens. With Ray Lewis riding off into the sunset, and Ed Reed likely gone as well, many new players have big shoes to fill on their defense. In addition, impending free agent Joe Flacco has all the leverage in the world now as he will be seeking a mega contract hoping to become one of the highest paid players in the league. While he clearly does not have the statistics to be one of the richest players his Super Bowl MVP trophy would say otherwise.
Next year’s Super Bowl game will be played in MetLife Stadium, home of both the New York Jets and New York Jets. While all 47 Super Bowls have been played either in a warm city or an indoor stadium, Super Bowl 48 will controversially be the first ever cold-weather title game.
