Monday, February 4, 2013

Day 34 - Super Bowl Sunday

Ravens 34 - 49ers 31.

A Super Bowl in the last several that I wasn't drunk for during the second half. Didn't drink at all due to allergies.

First, Flacco played great. Really impressed with his elusiveness and calm nature. His play was uncannily relaxed in the playoffs. The Ravens seemed like a team of destiny. Getting all the breaks up until the blackout, let alone pulling off the victory at Mile High.

The Niners played sloppy. Time after time getting a penalty on a big play, allowing 3rd down conversions, Culliver. Since starting Kapernick, the team's identity has changed, adopting his style and attitude. Really flashy and explosive, but inconsistent, less physical, less focused, less disciplined. Winning with style, instead of just winning.

The game felt like it concluded in an abrupt way. Seemed like the Niners should take the lead, and then the Ravens would drive down the field for a game winning FG attempt. That didn't happen. And the game ended.
Really disliked the Niners play calling with 1st and goal to take the lead. They had five plays near the end zone to tie/take the lead (counting the 2-pt conversion) and the play calling did not allow their players to make plays.
A corner route to Crabtree on the 2-pt conversion that sails well over his hand. On the 3rd down with under two minutes a 4 yard out pattern by the sidelines with no where to go, then on 4th down a fade pattern deep in the endzone. I hate the fade pattern call almost always. All these plays out by the sidelines, no slants? no Kapernick runs?
Get the ball in your best players hands and let them make a play.

I think Jim Harbaugh's overdone intensity was a disservice to the Niners early in the game. The Ravens were loose, the Niners were uptight.

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