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Sports Arena
The Harbaugh Bowl
The two most balanced teams in football have made it to the big game.
The two most balanced football teams in the NFL are headed to the Super Bowl. Both have impressive young quarterbacks. Both have stout defenses. Both returned to the conference championship after disappointing, and almost fluky, losses last year. And they are both coached by men named Harbaugh.
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh leads a team that has been one of the top performers in AFC for the past decade. They’ve finally gotten over the AFC Conference title game hump for the first time during his tenure. His brother Jim Harbaugh has turned around a once-underperforming San Francisco 49ers unit with astonishing quickness.
Both men took calculated risks with their quarterbacks that have paid off nicely. The Ravens’ Joe Flacco has been inconsistent since his impressive rookie campaign in 2008. Flacco’s admirers believed he was shackled by overly conservative play-calling. What has happened since Baltimore has let Flacco cut it loose and throw deep down the field suggests that perhaps they were right.
Jim Harbaugh made a quarterback change during the season. The incumbent Alex Smith had been playing nicely, winning games and posting the highest pass completion percentage in the entire league. But after Smith was sidelined with an injury, the 49ers stuck with Colin Kaepernick, a second-year player who was more mobile and had a solid deep ball.
Kaepernick is known for his running. In his first playoff start against the Green Bay Packers, he rushed for 181 yards, breaking the single-game record for most rushing yards by a quarterback that had been held for over a decade by Michael Vick. But in the championship game against the Atlanta Falcons, he proved he could air it out quite nicely too. While his stat line doesn’t leap off the page—16 completions out of 22 attempts for 233 yards and a touchdown—he made the throws when he needed to.
The Ravens’ impressive win over the New England Patriots was billed as an upset (and to us New Englanders it was indeed upsetting), but the truth is that Tom Brady has always struggled against their defense. Baltimore is one of the few teams that are not afraid to go into Foxboro. While Brady wasn’t under duress much on Sunday night, the timing was off on some critical pass plays and the wind wasn’t the only reason.
The Patriots missed Rob Gronkowki as a red zone threat. Containing the Ravens’ offense became an even greater challenge once cornerback Aqib Talib left the game with an injury. Finally, safety Bernard Pollard—the man who had previously inflicted season-ending injuries on Brady, Gronkowski, and wide receiver Wes Welker—knocked running back Stevan Ridley out of the game, leading to a fumble that was the first of three costly turnovers.
The Atlanta Falcons have been trying to win a playoff game since star quarterback Matt Ryan was drafted in 2008. They finally passed that test with a win over the Seattle Seahawks. With a strong group of wide receivers, Ryan played well on Sunday, completing 30 passes out of 42 attempts for 396 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. But the incompletion on fourth down at the end of the game is the one that mattered most. The Falcons lost by four points.
Baltimore’s Super Bowl run has also been an extended farewell tour for colorful linebacker Ray Lewis, who is retiring after 17 seasons. While the end of Lewis’ career is likely to dominate the coverage, one has to wonder how much longer 49ers wide receiver Randy Moss will continue playing. He is now 35 and more of a possession receiver, though he still has the speed to occasionally burn defenses deep.
Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez is expected to call it quits after an impressive 16 seasons in the NFL. Although he hasn’t been as outspoken about his plans, Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch—a former Super Bowl MVP—may have also played his last game.
The Falcons will still have a lot of talent on their roster next year, with both Julio Jones and Roddy White at wide receiver. There may be some questions about running back Michael Turner, who injured his ankle and at 30 is on the older side for his position.
But the Patriots have more questions. While in many ways an upgrade from the team that lost the Super Bowl last year, the Patriots’ pass rush was still missing when it mattered most. This may have been due to defensive end Chandler Jones, who was injured in the divisional round, playing just two snaps.
While Brandon Lloyd was a productive wide receiver for the Patriots, he was not the Randy Moss-like deep threat fans were hoping for. Welker played the entire season on the franchise tag after the team was unable to come up with a long-term deal. There is no guarantee he will be back. And the biggest question is how long the Brady window will remain open—he is still playing at a high level, but will that continue long enough for another Super Bowl victory?
All those questions can wait, however. For now, it is on to the Harbaugh Bowl.
About the Author
W. James Antle, III, author of the new book Devouring Freedom: Can Big Government Ever Be Stopped?, is editor of the Daily Caller News Foundation and a senior editor of The American Spectator. You can follow him on Twitter @jimantle.
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Doctor Right| 1.22.13 @ 8:43AM
As a native of Baltimore and a die-hard Ravens fan, Sunday's b-slapping of Cry-Baby Brady and the Pats in Foxboro was a thing of joy.
The Ravens have that weird light around them that they last had in 2000, when they beat the heavily favored Broncos, Titans, and Raiders on-the-road before crushing the Giants in SB 35.
The 49ers are a great team. This is going to be one hell of a Super Bowl.
Doctor Right| 1.22.13 @ 8:43AM
As a native of Baltimore and a die-hard Ravens fan, Sunday's b-slapping of Cry-Baby Brady and the Pats in Foxboro was a thing of joy.
The Ravens have that weird light around them that they last had in 2000, when they beat the heavily favored Broncos, Titans, and Raiders on-the-road before crushing the Giants in SB 35.
The 49ers are a great team. This is going to be one hell of a Super Bowl.
squalis| 1.22.13 @ 9:25AM
I lived in Baltimore many years ago (Mt. Washington). The Colts were the home team. What Irsay did to Baltimore was horrible. Baltimore deserves a winning team (why did the O's have to lose to NY last year?). I only wish the Ravens got to where they are now without that thug Ray Lewis.
Doctor Right| 1.22.13 @ 11:02AM
I lived in Baltimore when the COLTS were the home team, too.
Many forget that the '75-'77 Division titles were sandwiched in-between some God-awful years dominated by Bob Irsay's drunken rants and near insanity.
It's been almost 30 years since the COLTS left town; time to let go. They play in Indianapolis, now. Baltimore has a new football legacy.
And BTW...Ray Lewis is my favorite NFL player, and the best linebacker to ever play the game. And he's going to the HOF on the first ballot.
Bob Grant| 1.22.13 @ 1:51PM
Sick!!!
NoGoBlue| 1.22.13 @ 2:14PM
The best linebacker ever to play the game was Dick Butkus followed by Sam Huff. Singletary, Lambert, Nitchske ... Ray Lewis doesn't even make the top 5.
squalis| 1.22.13 @ 2:48PM
How do you not mention LT?
NoGoBlue| 1.22.13 @ 4:12PM
You're right. LT should be on the list.
Cpm| 1.22.13 @ 2:49PM
Willie Lanier.
Doctor Right| 1.22.13 @ 4:24PM
Lewis doesn't make your "Top 5" because he's in a class by himself. Those other 5 are below him.
Butkus, Nitchske, and Huff couldn't even play in today's league; modern players are bigger, faster, and stronger. Those guys would have all been cut, and told to hit the weights.
Cpm| 1.22.13 @ 2:48PM
The NFL and the networks have been slathering on the lube so it won't hurt so much when they stick him in the Hall of Fame. His histrionics every time somebody points a camera at him are nauseating. I get the feeling the only time he's real is when he's on the field.
CJW| 1.22.13 @ 3:33PM
Doc
As much as I despise the lowly Ravens I will root for Flacco to beat Frisco. Frisco has 5 SB wins, and the Steelers have SIX, so we cannot have the Pelosi Forty Niners catch the Steelers.
OJ Lewis would have been playing the special teams on kickoffs and punts on the Steelers teams from 74 thru 80. But, Rooney would have fired him for the murder indictment and plea to obstruction of justice.
Steelers played a 4-3 and Lewis could not play the real middle linebacker like Lambert, or the outside like Jack Ham. He cannot cover passes like Lambert or Ham. We had an agressive linebacker like Lewis, Dennis Winston who was the backup for Lambert.
Lewis is good for the 3-4 where he is more or less the designated tackler, as most inside linebackers in the 3-4 make most of the tackles.. Of course, it depends where they make the tackles, near the line like Lambert and Ham, or downfield like Lewis.
Anyway, I am rooting for the Ravens.
Doctor Right| 1.22.13 @ 4:25PM
Glad you're on-board, but rest assured...my opinions on Ray Lewis are not just my own.
There's a lot of pro-football players, coaches, and sports writers who agree.
Bob Grant| 1.22.13 @ 9:31AM
Dr.
We got it. You love Baltimore, hate New England.
Your love for Baltimore has a price and it's name is Ray Lewis, but you'll root for your beloved team anyway because they've made it to the big game. All's forgiven!!!
That's the problem with being a sports FANATIC! It clouds one's good judgment.
But, then again, in the Age of Obama, what exactly constitutes "good judgment"?
Enjoy your Ray Lewis Lovefest!
Doctor Right| 1.22.13 @ 10:59AM
LOL!
The Ray Lewis "Hate Club" comes out to celebrate!
Jealous, Bob? And where is YOUR team playing, now?
The case against Lewis was thrown-out of court due to lack of evidence, plain and simple. If you have evidence to the contrary that would convict Lewis, I'm all ears!
...[crickets]...
Bob Grant| 1.22.13 @ 1:47PM
Lack of evidence because it was either tossed in some dumpster or testimony by several key witnesses changed.
I suppose if OJ Simpson took the Ray Lewis route - with the assistance of the NFL and The Sports Media - he'd be back on the sidelines reporting football games and starring in The Naked Gun 13 - The Coverup.
As far as "my team", I dropped that concept when I hit 30.
You sound like a "face painter". Are you?
Doctor Right| 1.22.13 @ 4:28PM
Any proof to back up those allegations?
Or are you just talking out of your posterior?
No. I've never painted my face at a football game, took off my shirt, or wore a pig's nose/lady's dress and hat/cheese head/construction helmet, etc.
I'm just a guy who loves to watch the great game of football.
You sound like your name-sake. A bitter old sour-puss who wonders why no one cares what he says, anymore.
Bob Grant| 1.22.13 @ 5:23PM
Why do you associate my name with a talk radio host? Is Bob Grant THAT uncommon a name?
You couldn't hold YOUR namesake's surgical mask, nor jock strap.
Doctor Right would be SO ashamed of you for supporting a potential murderer or accomplice to a murder!
I demand you call him immediately and apologize, or change your handle!
squalis| 1.22.13 @ 3:01PM
Was it thrown out or plea bargained down?
From USA Today
"Only Lewis pleaded guilty in relation to the case: for obstruction of justice, a misdemeanor. He originally was charged with two counts of murder but struck a deal with prosecutors in exchange for his testimony against two of his companions that night, Reginald Oakley and Joseph Sweeting."
CJW| 1.22.13 @ 3:37PM
Also, the families of the two murder victims filed a civil lawsuit for money damages against Lewis. To his credit, Lewis settled and paid the families.
Doctor Right| 1.22.13 @ 4:29PM
And the prosecution accepted the plea because they had a case, right???
LOL! Too funny.
squalis| 1.22.13 @ 7:10PM
And he settled with the families because he was innocent, right???
Bob Grant| 1.22.13 @ 7:45PM
Squalis,
Ray Slew-us was advised to settle because the last thing he, nor the NFL, needed at the time was another high-profile murder court case, what with the Rae Carruth and O.J. Simpson's murder cases fresh in the public's mind.
An obvious whitewash. Despicable!
Bob Grant| 1.22.13 @ 3:21PM
I wonder how many Ravens players - including Lewis - understand the origin of the team's name?
Ironic, because Lewis is very well versed on the subject matter of much of Poe's writings.
Occam's Tool| 1.22.13 @ 1:17PM
Jim was a mediocre NFL QB. (Long career, like Methuselah). Good to see he's a better coach.
Doctor Right| 1.22.13 @ 1:28PM
And...He was actually once the Raven's QB, too!
Funny, huh?
Even funnier: Jim Harbaugh was the first QB that Ray Lewis ever sacked!
That first sack came during Lewis' rookie year in 1996, when Harbaugh was playing for Indianapolis. It was one of four times that Baltimore got to the quarterback that day, although Harbaugh and the Colts got the better of Lewis and the Ravens, 26-21.
Seek| 1.22.13 @ 2:03PM
Say what you will, but the Pats likely would have beaten the Ravens if Gronkowski hadn't been out with an injury. He's right up there with Jimmy Graham and the retiring Tony Gonzalez as the best tight end in the game. New England got inside or near the Balitmore 20 yeard line more than a half-dozen times. Gronkowski is a true Red Zone threat. If he were healthy, he would have showed why.
Doctor Right| 1.22.13 @ 4:32PM
Likely?
Based on what?
The Ravens outplayed them in last year's AFC Championship but lost because of a dropped pass and a missed extra point. They also beat the Patriots earlier this year.
The Ravens shut NE and Brady down because for the last year, when they meet, the Ravens are a BETTER team.
And when they play the Ravens, the Pats, and especially Brady look intimidated.
Gronkowski, Gronkowski, blah-blah-blah-woulda'-shoulda'-DIDN'T!
CJW| 1.22.13 @ 8:01PM
The best rivalry is the Steelers v. Ravens in the Pgh, Baltimore, Cleveland, Cincy division. Since 2001, the Steelers have played in 3 and won 2 Super Bowls, and the Ravens will have played in two and if they beat Frisco will have won 2. So this division winner will have played in 5 and won four of the past 13 super bowls. And both the Steelers and Ravens hate the Patriots.
NoGoBlue| 1.22.13 @ 2:17PM
I think it's funny that Ray Lewis thinks God picked the Ravens to win. Doesn't he know God is not a Ravens fan. After all the team was moved to Baltimore by one of Lucifer's pals, Art Modell. Ask anyone in Cleveland.
Doctor Right| 1.22.13 @ 4:35PM
Who cares what the idiots in Cleveland think?
Cleveland got a sweet deal from the NFL - a guaranteed team after 3 years, the return of their name (who wants it anyway? it's stupid), their colors (ugly), a new stadium, and local ownership.
If Baltimore had received such a deal from the NFL when the Colts left town, they wouldn't have gone after the Browns.
What REALLY irks Browns fans is that the Ravens have won a Super-Bowl, and the Browns NEVER made it to a Super-Bowl. LOL!
Cleveland fans - go cry in your beer. No one cares.
Who Knows?| 1.22.13 @ 3:16PM
Anyone else notice that 9 of 11 starters for New England are not black? Probably just a coincidence.
Seek| 1.23.13 @ 12:30AM
And if it isn't a coincidence, is this supposed to be a bad thing? Look at all the less-white offenses on other NFL teams that didn't make it to the playoffs this year. Frankly, I'm glad more whites are getting to start. Of course, if this trend goes far enough, several coaches will be accused, in so many words, of "racism." Zzzzzz.