I’ve watched the 49ers up close since training camp 2011. I know how dominant they can be. When they’re at their best, they can blow out any team in the NFL.
But I don’t think they’re at their best right now, and I think they’re going to lose to the Ravens 20-17.
Yes, the 49ers’ offense is hot. Colin Kaepernick is averaging 9.4 yards per passing attempt over the last three games. But the Ravens’ offense is hot, too. Joe Flacco is averaging 8.9 yards per attempt the last three games.
The difference will be the two defenses. The common perception is the 49ers have the most dominant defense in the NFL – six Pro Bowlers – and the Ravens have aging stars who are not what they once were.
Certain stats support that hypothesis, too. The 49ers’ defense ranked fourth in total passing and rushing yards this season. The Ravens’ defense finished 17th against the pass and 20th against the run.
But over the last four games, the Ravens’ defense has been the best in the league and the 49ers’ defense has been subpar.
Just look at these numbers. The Ravens have allowed only 3.6 yards per carry the last four games, and the 49ers have allowed 4.4 yards per carry. Putting that in perspective, if you extended those averages over a full season the Ravens’ would be tied for second against the run and the 49ers would be tied for 22nd.
Over that same four-game span, the Ravens have allowed just 5.7 yards per pass attempt and the 49ers have allowed 7.5 yards per attempt. Again, if you extended those averages over a full season the Ravens would rank first against the pass and the 49ers would rank 28th.
I do not think the 49ers’ defense will make the Ravens’ offense one-dimensional. I think running backs Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce will have good games. They will force Dashon Goldson and Donte Whitner to play the run, which will set up the play action deep passes.
When the 49ers are on offense, I think the Ravens can make them one-dimensional. Last season when these teams played each other, Frank Gore rushed 14 times for 39 yards. The Ravens completely took him out of the game.
I think the Ravens can force the 49ers into a lot of second and third-and-longs, and I think the Ravens can get quarterback pressure on those passing downs. They’ve gotten nine sacks and 17 QB hits the last four games, and Terrell Suggs is too quick for the 49ers’ offensive tackles, Joe Staley and Anthony Davis.
If Justin Smith were 100 percent healthy, I would pick the 49ers to win. He could negate the Ravens’ run game and he could generate a pass rush. But since he’s gotten hurt, the 49ers defense has not been able to do either of those two things well.
I think the Ravens come out taking deep shots early like the Falcons did in the NFC Championship game. I think the Ravens take the lead early like the Falcons did. But I think the Ravens actually hold on to it, unlike the Falcons.
How do you see Super Bowl XLVII unfolding?
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GO AWAY GRANT!!!
I concur
Make you a deal, Grant, 49ers win, I stay. 49ers lose, I go. How about that?
I was hoping you would say that Grant. Now all the ‘particles’ are in place.
Unless the Niners literally fall apart, or the refs pull a ‘Jerome Bettis’ for Ray Ray and call everything close in the favor of the Ravens. I can’t picture any scenario where the Niners lose. I think there is a 25% chance they absolutely boat race BAL, winning by 2-3 TD’s
LETS GO 49ERS
BOO!!!! RAVENS BOO!!!!
THE 49ERS GOING TO WIN THE RAVENS GOING TO LOSE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello Grant this time you don’t deserve a kick in the shin!!!LOL
.
Make you a deal, Grant, 49ers win, I stay. 49ers lose, I go. How about that? Deal or no deal?
why in the world do you think the Niner’s defense will be susceptible to the Raven’s running game and Ray Rice?
Be careful of global analysis of statistics. The Niner’s pass rush may be vulnerable but their run defense has been solid. Yes they’ve given up yards but not in key situations which result in the other team dictating to them based on their run game. Telling is Aldon Smith’s game ball in the Falcon’s game despite not getting a sack.
and yes I think the Niner’s are vulnerable to the deep pass. But not because they need to compensate by supporting the front Seven and making the secondary vulnerable. They’ve been vulnerable due to mis-communication and simply being beaten due to athletic speed, quickness and height.
the secondary has also obviously been more vulnerable due to lack of recent pass rush . which I think will be key in keeping Boldin and Pitta in check.
31 -17 Niners. And not that close. Ravens score a meaningless TD as the clock runs out. Kaep the MVP. This isn’t Thanksgiving. This game is for the prize.
And it’s not Alex Smith at qb either. If the Ravens load the box to stop Gore, Kaep will eat them alive. G Cohen does’t even mention the option which was not run last year when the two teams met. In that game, Alex Smith took nine sacks. Does anyone really think that Kaep is going to take more than one or two? Was Alex Smith able to hit his WRs in that game. A big no. Kaep will get it to Crabtree and I predict Randy Moss will have a big game. 31-17 niners.
You forgot to mention Chilo Rachal and 9 sacks when referring to last years game.
Exactly. Rachal was a sieve in that game. My sister’s husband and I almost destroyed their tv because of Rachal’s poor play.
Or Gore’s chop block penalty that was stupid, but wasn’t exactly a chop block, and nullified a potential game-changing touchdown pass.
31-17 sounds about right.
Grant I’m not sure whether you can answer my question here or not. What I want to know is are you a betting man? Thats question #1 Question #2 is if you are a betting man with the latest line being 9ers by 3.5 are you going to lay heavy money on Balt or lay light. The point of my question id do you REALLY believe in Balt or do you just have a feeling?
I have never gambled. I have a strong feeling the game will unfold as I described it.
Thanks for the answer and i hope your wrong i got the 9ers at 5 to 1 to win the super bowl at the begining of the playoffs i put down 50 so go niners
Coach I put $50 on the Niners to win the SB last March in LV at 7:1. Go Niners!
you’ve picked the 49ers to blow out teams that beat them. I’m ok with you picking against them. lol
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO 49ERS!!!!!
I put $5,000 on the NINERS to win the SB GO NINERS!!!!!!!
Change your bet to the Ravens. It will be a $10,000 difference to you. Dont say we did not warn you.
This guy is a clown……Sorry the run D has been solid all year and the Ravens will have to throw the ball if they want to be in the game.
Also the Niners are a way different team than the Ravens have faced all postseason. They have not played a team that will “punch you in the mouth” like the Niners. It will be interesting to see how it plays out but I think the Niners win 31-17
+1
I think the niner defense has not been dominate ever since Justin Smith got hurt. But I feel the niners have played superior offenses than baltimore has. Also I think the niners defense has an uncanny ability to come up with big plays and stops when they need it. Dont under estimate this defense. Also Kap is alot better eluding the pass rush than Alex, sure he may get sacked but he’s done alot better getting away from defenders and making plays. Gonna be a tough one, but I think the niners win by 4.
Thank you Grant!
Im picking the Niners. There is something about losing last year that fueled this team all year. They never got down, never got rattled or flustered even with the QB switch. The 49ers are all business. They have been each and every game this year and from the looks of it, they are again. No way I see them losing this game. The Ravens/Lewis destiny thing is old news. Talent and preparation wins and we have the better talent and the better coaches, and the players tha aret hungry.
Niners 23 Baltimore 10
What was that Darren? I did not hear that, please say again?
Thank God! Grant picked the Ravens! This means the Niners are guaranteed to bring home a 6th Lombardi trophy!
dude is such an assclown
I agree
I love it the 4 faces of Darren and they all have NOTHING TO SAY
Grant thank you for stepping in and stopping the insanity
Your statistics make sense, except quick backs don’t typically give the Niners trouble. So I doubt the Raven will have significant success on the ground.
Further, Atlanta got one really big play and that’s the only one the Niners gave up all season of over 40 yards. I believe they’ve learned their lesson. There may be a few intermediate/big plays, but not like what we saw against ATL.
I think Kaep will make a differnce when if comes to broken plays and creating outside of conventional plays, thus providing the “X factor” missing in last years game, which was close except for the line dominance on the Ravens.
I don’t expect the Raven lines to dominate as well as last year. Granted Justin isn’t 100%, which will make the game closer that it would otherwise have been, allowing the Ravens a few converted first downs, but Niners still come out on top!
The niners stopped Rice the last time they met so why would it be any different?
Grant Cohn needs to be on 24 hours a day. The trolls are relentless, arrrrrrrrrrrgh!
Grant,
thank you for picking against the Niners. The room loves you for it. I’ll take you back to the Redskins game. The Ravens sold out to seal the edge against RGIII. The result was Washington gashed the Ravens for 180 rushing yards.
While Alfred Morris might have a slight edge over Gore / James, overall the rushing offenses are very similar with the 49ers offensive line being much better.
The rest of the 49ers weapons are superior to Washington’s. Kaepernick has a bigger arm, and our receivers including tight ends are more explosive.
I don’t believe our safeties will have to become engaged to stop the running game to a point that it will expose us to the long ball. I think that the Ravens are a wildcard team who’s luck is about to run out. 49ers win this game 27-20 Kaepernick or Vernon will be the MVP although I truly hope it’s Gore.
what brilliant analysis.
Suggs has 2 sacks on the season, but some how he’s going to run circles around the #1 and #3 ranked Tackles in the NFL.
Grant do you know how your dad is picking?
I think the toughest match-up for the 49ers is in the secondary – Smith and Boldin are going to cause problems all day long. Ray Rice will get some yards, but the 49ers are playing on two-weeks rest and will be able to contain him much better than last year when they only had three days to prepare, not including their travel day across the country. Situation is competely different this time around.
Plus – how many other “hot” teams have the 49ers stopped dead in their tracks this season (several in very hostile environments) – Chicago, New Orleans, New England, Green Bay, Atlanta…nuff said.
I’m not going to make any predictions, but my gut tells me that Sunday will be a fantastic day!
In your brilliant analysis, you don’t go into how the over-the-hill Ravens’ defense is going to stop Vernon Davis? or Michael Crabtree? or Delanie Walker?
How exactly are the Ravens going to defend the entire field? They’re going to have to, and their defense isn’t good enuff to do so. Ravens take away Kaep, they open up the inside. Try to play 8 in the box, you give Kaepernick one-on-ones on the outside in the passing game.
mediots are under the impression that this is the Ravens’ defense from 2000.. it’s not! It’s the Over-the-hill game.. their best defenders are past their primes! Ravens’ D is big and strong, but they lack speed.. the Niners have speed on both sides of the ball.
Rodgers > Ryan > Flacco
The Niners have beaten better QBs in the playoffs so far, they’ve beaten the two best receiving corps in the league! GB is considered to have the league’s deepest receiving corp, ATL has the best receiving tandem in the league plus the league’s best TE(Gonzo).. still won. Now they face an inferior QB and receiving corp.. but are going to lose?
LMAO! It’s like watching someone trying to talk, but can’t because they’ve been hit with a gag spell – their mouths are moving, but no words are coming out no matter what they try (and they’re clearly trying very hard!)
And look at the timing on these posts. Priceless. 49er Girl can predict the future! LOL!
Anyone who roots for the niners to lose is no fan. That’s pretty obvious to anyone who does not have mental problems.
You’re 100% correct Grant. Clearly not the popular view but that doesn’t make it any less likely.
Mediots are predicting that Flacco is gonna be BOMBS away, however he hasn’t faced Safeties as good as Goldson/Whitner. The Colts don’t, the Broncos don’t and that Pats don’t. Whitner is a Pro Bowler and Goldson is an All-Pro, they’re the best Safety tandem in the league.. don’t see them letting receivers get behind them.
Let’s not forget that the Broncos choked away their game, the Ravens won on luck. The Pats were dominating the Ravens until Talib got injured, all the sudden Flacco is the second coming. Please don’t bank on Kaepernick choking and the Niners have too much talent and depth in their secondary to let an injury derail them.
Grant
I see what ur doing here wink wink and I comend you for not predicting a 9ers blowout. At this point the ravens D is more names than players. For all of rays tackles, half have been 6 yrds downfield (still a tackle but not the impact play) T sizle has 2 sacks on the year and isnt nearly as quick as he was prior to the achilees tear. The colts and broncos have no real run game and the pats inexplicably went away from the run even though they were having sucess. EVERYONE knows that Den should have won that game but GOD being an obvious ray lewis fan made rahim moore spin around like a balerina instead of having him take 3 steps back and knock down the “hail mary” fling to JJones.
Its a clash of destinies. Ray’s retirement VS Kaeps ascendency, and I think if GOD decides to watch football this weekend i think he will go with the “true” believer who has his wisdom on his arms for the world to see as opposed to the guy who only started mentioning his name after being charged with double murder.
9ers 24 Ravens 17
Grant’s prediction just guaranteed that the Niners will win on Sunday.
This team has come too far and is too good. I’ll take a Harbaugh coached team with with two weeks to prepare any day of the week. Niners, 31-20.
I’ll take a Harbaugh coached team with with two weeks to prepare any day of the week.
I see what you did there.
I too think that a team coached by a Harbaugh will winn the SB
I’ll bet any amount on JH winning!
A listen in history: many folks predicted a Dolphin victory over the Niners in Super Bowl XIX. They said that Dan Marino could not be stopped.
What did Joe Montana say to the team – prior to the game? “Marino hasn’t played our defense yet”. Nailed it.
The Ravens may have had success in the playoffs, but they haven’t played a team like the Niners yet. They will get rolled come Sunday.
*lesson
The Troll with 1000 Names is in full attack mode on this blog now because Grant bruised his sensitive ego by removing his posts.
What motivates a person to do that? Are they just crazier than cat sh#%? Do they get paid? So weird.
Big P – it’s how I imagine DS off her meds and released from her padded cell….scary. Although I don’t think they are the same person, I could be mistaken.
Big P, this is why:
http://www.flayme.com/troll/
Wow thats great. Its as if someone did a study on this. And the list to spot them is dead on just go down the line and check every box “6-3 200 yards passing”
Grant is right on some points… Frank Gore is not going to be a factor. Kaepernick will have to win this game in the air. Atlanta and Green Bay are 2 of the worst rush defenses in the NFL. Baltimore will stuff Gore like they did to him in 2011 on Thanksgiving Night. This tme we don’t have to worry about Alex Smith getting sacked 9 times. On all of our losses this year with Giants Vikings Rams Seahawks look at what Gore did in those games. He was shut down. I hope I’m wrong but I’m just a bigger fan of Lamachiel James and want him to get more carries. I hope Roman comes out passing and attacks #29 williams who I think can be beaten. Donte Whitner will be our weak link in the secondary like always and our pass rush won’t be there since Vic Fangio never blitzes. If 49ers are to win Sunday I think Moss and Walker are going to have to play big games. Crabtree and Davis will get double covered. I got 49ers 27 Ravens 24. Kaepernick Superbowl MVP.
Hey everybody Frank Gore is not going to be a factor, maybe we should sit him.
Thank you Grant, I really appreciate that. The Niners have a better team, a better coach and they will prevail, if their is a God, no way would they let that low life murderer Ray Lewis win. Predictions are just crap, but the Niners will win, and they might win big.
I completely agree Neal !
Except the IS a God and he doesn’t intervene in who wins and loses football games…but if there is any justice then Ray Lewis will walk away from the game a loser ! The big blowhard !!!
Grant, right on. Nice to see some brevity among this Niners hysteria.
Darren, are you Alex Smith’s wife in disguise? I can see her putting Alex over the team so I was thinking you might be her since you’re prone to using pseudonyms.
sfarnel:
There are quite a few of the Smith Family on this blog ,judging by the posts of those who still can’t get over the benching.
Be happy ,we are going to win the SB again. Happy Days !
Grant you’ve lost your room to a troll virus. The little hacker is going to test your sites technology departments skills. Good luck with that.
Nah. Now that he’s stayed home he’s playing Whack-A-Mole.
The Ravens linebackers cannot cover Davis/Walker. That is there weakness and thats where the 49ers will attack. 49ers win this game convincingly.
Walker has butter hands like Ted Ginn jr…. can’t rely on either of them in the passing game. It would be nice if AJ Jenkins gets his first catch in the Superbowl
Good to have 49er girl back! I like he prediction or feeling better then grant. I also concur with big P. the raven d is stout but will have problems with speedy kapernick!
Thanks :-) I missed you guys!
This game on paper looks like it could be a defensive struggle. Usually what should happen, doesnt happen. Going to be over 55 points scored and the one player no one is talking about, will become a household name by games end – LaMic.
@undercenter i hope your wrong i have under 47 on my parlay card. i’m predicting either 24 -17 or 24-20 9ers
lol sorry Coach, Niners are gonna win, I just got this gut feeling that points are going to come in a flury. I also feel this is going to be one heck of a game.
I just want a win I will be very very very happy with what ever the score is.
The Niners have never lost a Super Bowl, I just cant see Harbaugh and this team being the first to lose one. Number six is on the way.
Under,
I was never worried against ATL. They didn’t measure up just looking at the numbers and I’m a stats guy. Of course turnovers can change the stats dynamic but basically, if the two opposing teams play their game, the stats hold true.
In this game, I’m a little more worried because the Ravs had the best D of all of the playoff teams left other than the 9ers. Similar to the NYG, the 9ers don’t measure up well against the Ravs D.
I’m not saying they will lose, just that it will be closer than some think.
Hof – both of these teams have real good defenses. I agree the score is going to be close, but I think we are going to see some scoring. Both offenses are very good and will move the ball. This is a different team then the one the Giants saw and what the Ravens saw on Turkey Day. This is going to be a great game.
Under, I wouldn’t doubt that JoHar out coaches JiHar but that doesn’t mean the 9ers lose. The numbers are on the 9ers side but TOs change the dynamic every time.
Hof – Totally agree, turnovers is the only stat I pay any serious attention to. It can change the game in a heartbeat. Both teams are playing pretty much turnover free football and both teams can force a turnover. Going to be fun to watch this all unfold.
It would be extra nice if somewhere in about the mid 3rd quarter we had such a huge lead that we could jusr revel in the victory and enjoy the game ,instead of being on edge.
I think it might actually work out that way.
Take this to the bank, Kaep will refuse to lose. Niners 35 Ravens 10 !! I have this feeling, my gut is going to say this will be a blow out. Ravens are too old to beat us. They are going (( D O W N ))
That’s what nepotism will get you.
Going to agree with Grant (in part). If the 49ers defense is was nearly as good as last year, I’d pick the 49ers by 14 points or more. But it’s not.
The 49er 2011 run defense last year was historically great. Only one rushing TD allowed (and Willis did not play in that game). In the post season the pass rush pulverized Breese and Manning.
The preseason injuries to Parys Haralson and the two rookie OLBs was huge. Yes, they were not “starters” but Parys Haralson allowed Aldon to rest and be explosive. Not only is Aldon Smith’s leg worn from playing more snaps then planned, but his shoulder is banged up more then the 49ers admit.
But I’m stopping short of picking the Ravens outright. The NFC is the more physical conference. I can see the 49ers grinding it out despite the defensive drop-off. I’m saying 50-50 pick-em at this point.
I only hope it does’nt come down to FG’s because in that case i see Balt. winning.
oh man if its up to Akers winning it for us we are in trouble!
Actually Akers has now had 2 weeks to heal up and get his confidence back. JH says Akers has not missed a FG in practice this week !
Grant – I see your prediction is based on Justin Smith’s health. Please let these two plays marinate in your brain for a few minutes and then please confirm your prediction.
Play #1 – 3rd and long in the 4th quarter vs Saints in playoffs last year, Saints 6-5 325 lb tackle (J. Bushrod) tries to stop Justin Smith. Justin bull rushes and pushes Bushrod back like he’s on roller skates, all the way back until Drew Brees was within reach. Smith then reached around Bushrod with one claw and all three of them went to the ground. This was with tired legs in 4th quarter in a shootout!
Play #2 – 4th qtr in Philadelphia last year, Eagles trailing by one point driving for winning FG. WR Jeremy Maclin catches screen pass and is running down the left sideline in open space and a relentless Justin Smith catches Maclin from behind and strips ball from him, saving the victory. This was after Smith had chased Michael Vick for 4 quarters!
Justin’s one tricep may be about 70% but his two fresh legs are 130% right now. Based on this formula I would say Cowboy is 100%.
As for my prediction: It’s harder to beat the Saints in New Orleans than beat the Ravens in New Orleans.
SF 27 Bal 13
It shouldn’t come down to JS. AldSmith needs to prove he can control (take over) the game in the 4th qtr with or without help from JS. He will need to do so when JS is not longer with the team and now is a good time to prove it.
Aldon Smith is due for a big game. He might post 2+ sacks and apply consistent pressure on Flacco.
It’s his job and time to shine! Big game…big plays.
Hopefully he has been saving it all up to unleash in the SB !
Gosh, is that the same Darren who threatened suicide on the SJ Mercury site when Kaep replaced Smith and did well? That guy was weird. Claims he is a 49er fan but roots against them because his BFF is no longer quarterback. Not a team guy Darren.
PLEASE no one respond!!!!!
GOt it, no one respond. Grant, stop being an arrogant jerk.
coach, don’t respond to anybody that you don’t recognize, because he is using multible names right now.
Thats the way I see it.
Oh, and he will use “your” name to deceive others as well. He did it to me a few days ago only it had a different avatar.
Grant, interesting. You and GCosell call it about the same. I believe he mentioned on KNBR this morning on GR’s show 23-20 Ravs. Another key point is that RLewis is playing his last game and will leave everything on the field, knowing full well that he has a lifetime to heal. The Ravs simply play better on D when he is in there even though he isn’t the player he was 5 years ago.
I don’t think Greg Cosell agreed with you. I’ve listened to his many appearances over the past two weeks, and he was extremely clear that Ray Lewis will be exploited in coverage because he is not the same player he used to be. Get past the hype, let me repeat, Ray Lewis is a liability in coverage. I don’t care if its his last game and he wants to leave it all on the field, he will not be able to cover a tight end or a running back in the passing game.
Hof i think the difference one way or another is going to be CK he is the wild card.
Pretty Sad, that we have to (constantly) hear this from the local sports writers. I, for one am tired of hearing Cohn, Cohn and Padecky constanly talk down our teams, until they WIN and then it’s a whole different story. I can take the good witht he bad and, yes, either team could win but I would much rather hear (from our local writers, at least) how our chances are GOOD and that we Can win!
I would like to see a change at the PD.
Grant,
How about if you’re wrong, you resign from 49er covering the 49ers. The niners don’t lose Superbowls.
Kaepernick will essentially win this game single-handedly like he did the Packers game. The Ravens don’t have anybody to contain him. His velocity in the air and speed on the ground will be underestimated. If he deems it necessary to do so, Kaep will take over the gameplan and do whatever is needed to win. Kaep is no “Yes Man.” With the season and his early legacy on the line, he will rise like Atlas and carry the Bay Area and all it’s fans to the promised land.
Tochigi-ben desuka??? Jodan dakara…
There is no way in hell the Ravens win this game. We are going to wear that old azz defense. All.those stats grant mentioned were not against our defense and our offense.
Their defense has no clue what we are going to do on offense. They will not stop us. They are entirely to old and too slow. We will beat the Ravens by 10 pouts at least. We are going to take complete control of this game in the 4th quarter. Smith will not get deep on us. Flacco is getting picked twice. Ray lewis is about to get exposed by LMJ. Book it!
Check this out. Out of the 14 predictors from ESPN, they chose the Niners 9 times.
It will be interesting the approach the Ravs take. Will it be ball control passing (owning the time of poss with long drives) similar to how the Rams, Vikes, Hawks, won over the 9ers or big plays? It’s a chess match – brother against brother.
Hofer,
If you look at the stats, the Niners have won both the field position and time of position battles in the playoffs this year (I’ll look for the link). I expect that to continue.
I see it like Neal – Niners win big. Something like 38-17
Nick, that is true. But when we lost during the season, we lost the time or possession battle.
*time of possession*
Nick, additionally, I wouldn’t compare ATLs D or GBs D to the Ravs. They are older, but they are better than the previous teams mentioned.
Sorry I forgot the link.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/picks
What were the other 5 thinking ? After the game everyone will be saying they picked the Niners . Sort of like everyone (almost) are saying they always knew Kap was much better than Alex,lol.
Hey Jordan, come on back to that 49er Holics site. We all miss you.
I don’t see it that way. You rely on a stack of stats but if you look at the teams that gave the Niners trouble and beat them they had one thing in common. The Rams, Seahawks, Vikings and Giants had big, powerful running backs that forced the safetys to commit to the stopping the run. Ray Rice is not this type of back. If we can run for over 100 yards which is very likely to happen we can control both lines and wear the Ravens down enough to win it in the 4th quarter. I see a 31-21 victory for the Forty Niners.
the thing with the ravens is they do have a big running back…..ray rice’s back up and change of pace back. if the back up gets going we are going to have a long day ahead of us.
That’s why I think with ABold they take a time of possession type of approach keeping the ball out of CK’s hands. Fewer series to score and disrupt the flow of the offense. Big play game won’t win the SB.
*Big play game won’t win the SB for the Ravs.*
Bradshaw weighs less than Rice.
Depends oh how many kilograms of rice you are weighing…
Grant, I think it is how the D and O lines match up. Vikes, Hawks, and Rams played the 9ers well on both sides of the ball controlling the game with long drives and not big plays.
RB size is all relative – 6′ 230 versus 5’8′ 212 – 4 inches differences but only 18 lbs.
All things being equal, it’s harder to tackle the short stout guys. I hated playing the short strong RB’s, they’re just like a ball of muscle.
BTW, AP is only 6″1″ 218 to RR’s 5’8″ 212 – 3 inches and 6 lbs. More difficult to tackle short powerful RBs that are low to the ground. RR ran a 4.42 40 as well.
Aren’t you not the same person that predicted GB would handle the 49ers
four weeks ago? Maybe that was your “mulligan.”
Grant,
The Ravens have not faced a team like the Niners in the playoffs to this point. Neither the Broncos or the Patriots have a dominant O-line and neither has a strong running game. So what the Ravens defense has done so far in the playoffs will mean nothing against the Niners. The Niners are simply too strong on both sides of the ball for the Ravens to win.
And too fast!
The Niners SHUT OUT the Falcons in the 2nd half of the Championship game. Strange that doesn’t get more respect from the National media.
Well to he honest they didn’t really shut them down even though they shut them out. If you go look at the drive charts for the second half, they only forced one 3 and out, and that only happened when ATL was pinned at their own half yard line after Crabtree’s fumble at the goal line. I wouldn’t necessarily call that a great defensive performance. They got a couple turnovers, one which was a gift/fluke, and otherwise ATL continued to move the ball against our D on every single drive.
That said, I think we win this game with a comfortable margin.
Grant’s not being negative, he’s just giving us his SportsBlogger view. It comes with a light coat of Typewriter-Age-Sportswriter Cynicism that he picked up somewhere in the neighborhood, but its at least stimulating for conversation. Beyond that he’s appeased the Faithful by not predicting a Niner blowout!
See? The glass is half full. (Now I’ll need to find the bottle and top it off.)
Hey Brotha,
That is true. The thing that bothers me about this game is that the Ravs had a top D in 2011 that yielded less than 300 yds total. This year they had injuries. They finished 17th overall in yardage but were 8th in opponents yards per play(9ers were 3rd). The Ravs have the best D the 9ers have faced all year and I don’t believe the 9ers match up well against the Ravs D. It will be a close game.
*300 yds per game*
Hofer,
CK puts his stamp on this season in this game. If the Niners defense plays a half decent game I predict a blowout. The wildcard in this game is the mobility of the QB.
It may take two or three series. By that point Roman will know how to attack that old defense. To overcome their age and lack of speed they will take chances. Either CK or La Michael James will make the Ravens pay if they blitz.
Bottom line, IT’S OUR YEAR DAMMIT LOL.
It’s one game, you know. Grant’s points are well made.
So …… I’m looking for the 49er defense to rebound and have a big game, they’re due. Could Kaep have a “magical game”? Yes, he can and I think he will.
Two evenly matched teams, could go either way, but I’m looking for the 49ers to live up to every bit of their potential and win this game.
The Packers and Falcons hardly had any rush yards, whatever their avg ypc were. Randall Cobb got a few long runs because we had pass coverage personnel on the field. The Falcons ‘threw’ everything at us the first half then got SHUT DOWN.
O.k. so I’ve been reading a lot of the predictions here and listening to the east coast media talking out of their as…..’s. Their Wr’s are not even close to being as good as atlanta’s or greenbay’s.
CR will shut down Boldin like spencer used to do. He’s not victor cruz or amendola with their speed and shiftiness. Shut him down and you’ve taken away their main 3rd down option.
Our lb’s will eat rice without soy sauce.
On offense , all we hear about balitimore is how fundementaly sound they are. Ok, but that doesn’t put into account our team speed. How are they going to stop the read option, especially when we’re the only team that has a FB blocking down. They can’t and won’t.
My worries are special teams and the zebras. I hope they don’t go nostalgic on us for ray’s sake.
Bottom line:
I’m very confident and am looking forward to GRO opening the play book. Baltimore does not scare me. 31-17 Niners!!!
good points Big Niner
… and Terrell Suggs is too quick for the 49ers’ offensive tackles, Joe Staley and Anthony Davis.
… and Terrell Suggs wastoo quick for the 49ers’ offensive tackles, Joe Staley and Anthony Davis.
There. Fixed it for ya.
You make a lot of decent points. This one in particular I don’t buy. Suggs is not the same as he was pre achilles/triceps imjuries. I also think Staley AND Davis are both better. The game from 11/11 sticks in a lot of people’s minds, but both teams are much, much different. I do see it as an agonizingly close, tense game. Low scoring. 21-17, Niners.
Here’s my game “analysis” (and yes, I use quotes to remind myself I’m just a fan)
Age: Big/fast/strong and young is a big edge in the NFL, and although the teams have similar rosters, we’re younger at some key positions (LB, S) where young legs matter.
Injury: Ravens. Ravens were banged up early but Niners are clearly hampered with injuries to the Smith bros.
Location: wash. Baltimore has the edge in timezone, but the Niners probably gain more by a game played on turf in neutral territory.
QB: Niners. Gotta like Kaep for his added dimension of running.
OL: Niners. But its closer than we think
DL/LBs: Ravens. If the Smith Bros were healthy, we’re clearly better, but both shoulder injuries continue to show up in the pass rush.
DB/S: Niners. Ed Reed is a stud, but he’s a bit older and I think our backfield wants to prove something after getting lit up by the Pats, Seattle, and Atlanta.
Pk. Ravens. This by itself is worth 1.5 points to me. Akers may be healthy, as the Niners insist, but his mind is not quite right. He was shipped out of Philly for key misses, and like everyone else on this blog I fear he cant be counted upon.
Punter: Niners. Andy Lee should be a serious candidate to follow Ray Guy into the HOF. He’s been that good.
Coaching: Niners. When it comes down to it, I’ll take Fangio and Roman/Chryst over their Ravens counterparts. And I think our young team wants to win one for Harbaugh.
Bottom line: Niners by 2. This game is going to be a nasty streetfight, and its not going to be decided til the end. If we had/have a consistent pass rush, I think we win 31-17, barring injuries (touch wood) and turnover differential going against us. But Flacco, like Ryan, is better than I thought and so are their receivers. But unlike the Falcons, who had 2 burners and one future superstar (Jones) at WR, the Ravens do not quite bring that talent to bear. Once again, unsung heroes spring to life, and we get important plays by Brooks, Soap, McDonald, etc. Bowman and Willis play like the young, future HOFers they are, whereas Lewis and Reed remind us why they’re close to retirement. Aldon Smith and Justin Smith leave everything on the field. Kaep continues his dynamic play, keyed by a solid OL performance.
I agree with most of your points. My only disagreement is with the linebackers. Our linebackers are much better than theirs. It’s not even close, even if AS is banged up. Plus, I heard that he’s almost completely healed. His drop in sacks wasn’t due to injury rather Justin Smith tricep issue. Our defense Dominate this game. they will jam the slot receiver at the line of scrimmage and crowd the middle of the field. That’s where tipped balls occur and where big hits will be laid. Our corners need to play very fundamental and use v
sorry about that. Like I was saying our corners need to use the sidelines as their friends and don’t give up any big plays.
Stats don’t win games. There is an extra factor that takes over when a team is on a roll. Look at the Falcons in the first half. They were virtually unstoppable. 2nd half, that factor is gone. The nines had that factor when Joe took the Nines past the Bengals in the last minutes.
You could see it, you could feel it, but you can’t predict it!
The team that has the extra factor in the 4th Q will win.
I think it will be a close game.
Grant,
It is patently obvious what you are trying to do, finding convoluted reasons to predict a Ravens win.
Thanks! keep the streak alive.. Go Niners!
Well Adam Meyer says 49ers 31.. Ravens 10.
I won’t call it because im superstitious but I will say this. We are just about due for a blowout. ;-) ya dig!
Exactly,there have been too many close games lately,it’s ntime for a good butt kicking. And now with Grant picking the Ravens it is a lock that we win and probably win big .
Last years game irrelevant. Grant every one of your rationalizations are BS. How many Baltimore writers are predicting the 49ers…you’re pathetic.
The niners easily beat Green Bay and Rodgers. 31 points, 7 from a pick six and 7 from garbage time. The niners beat Atlanta and Matt Ryan coming from behind 21 t0 zero in the second half.
The Ravens were very lucky to beat Denver with a blown defense on the final play.
You don’t know football. You should cover Ice Skating or something you are more in tune with.
This game isn’t close. I picked the Atlanta game 38-24. Crabs fumbles at goalline and Akers missed kick and I nail it. Picking the same here. 38-24. Ravens score in garbage time.
I am excited that Grant picked the Ravens!!!
He’s usually wrong with his picks…………………..
For the love of God the Niners MUST win! I don’t want to endure another minute of crying, gloating, holy/shady Ray Lewis. Bill Murray himself couldn’t have imagined a better Cinderella story that Kaepernick.
Ah man Grant, you got balls dude. No one picks against the hometown team. If you’re right and the two weeks aren’t enough for the defense to get healthy the niners might lose, but not while holding the Ravens to 20 points. If they hold the Ravens to 20, they win.
BTW, speaking of what’s really important, how’s your mom?
Denver facing playoff teams this season 2-3.
They beat cincy when they were 3-4 at the time and is no real threat.
They beat Balt when they were struggling at the time. And Balt got to face them twice. It’s always hard beating a team twice in a year. (Except if you’re GB facing us lol)
Waaaay overrated.
Balt beat a young Colts team who was no real threat for a Superbowl.
Aaaand we know Baltimore knows New England just like they know Pitt.
I’m not saying these games are easy to do. But it’s not like they have faced a defense like ours or an offense with so many options.
They have win three straight. So have we.
I think you’re overhyping this team Grant. Unless you’re giving us the reverse ju ju pick and are helping out us superstitious folks and not making a 49er pick for the win. :-)
I’m sorry but if the 49ers come out with that chip on their shoulders and play the way we know they can. There isn’t a team in this league that can beat us. I will say if they lose it will be because they Didnt play this game with everything they have….. GB, CHI, Sea, NE, NO, these wins were huge heart check games and I don’t see Baltimore being much better than any of these other teams… Except N.O.
There’s too muchv east coast hype. I’m done with this Ray Lewis thing. Our O line is better than their D line. Their O line is a wash with our D line only because JS’ s injury. They are a slow team on defense.
We didn’t have lmj, moss, boone (starting), jenkins then.
Take away Boldin, defend the deep pass against Smith and contain Rice, and we’ll blow them out!!
A little over 32 hours to go. This is torture.
What will the Ravens answer be when they need to cover VD? Unless they plan on putting a corner on him to keep up they don’t have a linebacker or safety who do it. The refs best keep an eye on Lewis as he’ll be grabbing VD and DW as they run past him in crossing routes.
http://ninerchatter.blogspot.com/2013/02/super-bowl-prediction.html
Good call, Jack, I think it’s going be close early as well with the 49ers breaking away in the late 3rd Qtr and then running away away with it in the 4th Qtr, literally, with Gore and LMJ – along with Kaepernick having a few decent runs of his own for key 1st downs to keep those late drives going.
Any player you think may have a big game other than who we expect to play well?
Bruce Miller with a TD reception.
Jack, I was thinking either Miller or Celek. I’ve had some thoughts of great returns by LMJ, but he may not get many chances in a dome, so maybe Ginn gets a big punt return?
Jack, good read. I disagree slightly – what a surprise. :)
I see the Ravs trying to control time of possession with a balanced of runs/short passes and keeping the ball away from the 9ers offense. If the 9er defense is on its heels, it could be a long day and a lower scoring game than expected. I expect the score to be close with the 9ers winning if TOs are kept in check. But of course, TBD.
Hofer, but it’s been the deep ball that’s put the Ravens in the SB under Caldwell. I think they’re going to take some shots (especially on 2nd down) to try to get up early and take the 49ers away from running the ball and then go balanced. Still, as you say, TBD.
Hofer,
I see that a bit too like the game last year where it was halftime before you knew it, but even in that game the 49ers had shots early on that they missed. There was the no throw to a wide open Walker, and the Ginn TD called back.
We’ll see how it plays out in a little more than 24 hours.
Nice write up Jack. Agree with the final score too. What worries me is that the Niners haven’t stopped the run like they did last year. Hoping that a more healthy Justin Smith helps change that.
As for the Ravens, they have not faced a team like the 49ers in the playoffs. The Colts were truly one dimensional. Denver and New England couldn’t stretch the field. Out of all three though, Denver gave them the most fits and arguably won the game for not a fluky bomb at the end of the game. Denver was the most balanced.
We have the X factor in CK. Hold Ray Rice and we win by two touchdowns….
Thanks Bay. Slowing down Rice is key. I think they will struggle with him early, but will get up by 2 scores in the 2nd half and take him out of the game.
9ers will win this Super Bowl
Grant picking the ravens is a sure sign of victory for us lol Go Niners! 38-17