How the Super Bowl Was Won

Added on Feb 04, 2013 by Scott in

NFL

Ten seconds into the second half of Super Bowl XLVII, it looked as if the Ravens would run away with a blowout victory. Jacoby Jones’ 108-yard kickoff return gave the AFC champs a commanding 28-6 lead. The 49ers looked beaten. Then the power went out, literally. A forty-minute delay gave the Niners time to regroup, and they stormed back to within two points, ultimately falling 34-31. It wasn’t a classic game by an stretch, but both teams put on a pretty good show. How did the Ravens win it all? Let’s take a look.

Fewer mistakes – From the outset, San Francisco was the more nervous team. Mental blunders, pushing and shoving after plays, and a pair of costly turnovers that resulted in 14 points for Baltimore sealed their fate. As did questionable playcalling at the end and poor defensive alignments in the first half. Jim Harbaugh will kick himself for months because he knows his team could’ve won if not for a series of breakdowns.

Jammed the “Pistol” – The feared Pistol offense engineered by Colin Kaepernick was rendered ineffective for two-plus quarters, which afforded the Ravens time to build a sizable lead. By the time Kaepernick and Frank Gore got on track, it was too late. Kaepernick eclipsed 300 yards through the air by necessity and delivered several excellent throws, but he also misfired on some easy ones.

Flacco comfort zone – The Niners secondary (safety Donte Whitner in particular) was soundly torched the majority of the game. The front seven did drop Flacco twice, but he faced very little pressure on whole, especially on third down. Like Eli Manning in 2007, Flacco found his comfort zone this postseason. A big contract awaits.

Avoided collapse - When the Niners pulled to withing 31-29, it appeared Baltimore was poised to become “that team.” However, a ten play 58-yard drive engineered by Flacco netted three points when they needed it most. True champions dig deep and overcome adversity.

Bottom line: Baltimore was smarter, more physical and executed much better than San Francisco. Jim Harbaugh can complain about holding not being called in the end zone on fourth down all he wants, but his team wasn’t deserving of the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday.