It’s the Final Four of the NFL, and for two teams, their Super Bowl Dream is coming true. But for whom?
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Last week featured some of the best playoff football of the entire season. We saw the mighty Packers fall and fall hard, the 49ers had “The Catch” all over again to beat the Saints, the Ravens defense dominated and scratched out a win, and “Tebow Time” came to a bitter-bitter end. With all these events happening I found myself going 3-1, and raise my record for the playoffs to .500 at 4-4. I’m feeling another great week ahead with the Conference Championships. The Giants are going to San Fransisco to play the 49ers, and the Ravens take a trip north to take on the New England Patriots. I see two close games, but only two teams can play for the Lombardi Trophy.
Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots: The Ravens finally got their first home playoff game since 2006, and they took advantage. Though they couldn’t stop Arian Foster who ran for 132 yards and a score, the defense allowed only 140 passing yards and 17 points. But, Tom Brady is a bit better than T.J. Yates to say the least. Tom Brady went all Tom Brady on the Broncos and threw for 363 yards, six touchdown passes, and was able to let off the gas after throwing five of those touchdown passes in the first half against the Broncos defense. Brady has had his worst games in his career against this same Ravens defense. Last time these two teams played in New England in the playoffs, the Ravens’ Ray Rice ran over the Pats’ defense and Joe Flacco had a good day throwing for a couple touchdowns. In the end, the Ravens won 33-14. Joe Flacco proved himself as a playoff quaterback, and continued to stay this way.
I see more of the same for the Ravens in this game. This may be Ravens’ linebacker Ray Lewis’ final shot at a Super Bowl, and he will played inspired football against the Patriots. The Patriots have fallen the last few years at home in the playoffs, and it all started with this Ravens team. Ray Rice should have a big day, and carry the Ravens right to Indy for the Super Bowl. The Call: Ravens, 24-21.
New York Giants vs. San Fransisco 49ers: This looks like a matchup from the late 80’s and the early 90’s, but its this weekend’s game. The 49ers played an awesome game against the Saints last week. They forced Drew Brees to throw four interceptions, and forced six turnovers. The defense was gashed a couple of times, but that was when they decided to play a prevent defense. When aggresive, the Niners’ defense figured out the Saints and beat them fair and square. Candlestick Park was loud, and the Niners had a clear home-field advantage. They get to play at home agian this weekend against the New York Football Giants. Eli Manning played amazing last week especially on third down where it seemed like every time they threw, they converted. The defense showed up in the biggest way though. They were able to get Rodgers off his game, and the whole offense of the Packers seemed, off. Rodgers missed wide open receivers, and the receivers also dropped the ball. Anyways, the Giants were stonewall and wouldn’t allow any big plays.
This game certainly won’t be too exciting to watch because of the strong defenses on both teams. The Niners are in the comfort of the Bay, and the weather will benefit the better running team who is the Niners. I have gone against the Giants the last two weeks, and they have proven me wrong. Well, try it again Eli. The Call: 49ers, 17-10.
The Ravens and 49ers in the Super Bowl. John and Jim Harbaugh are brothers, and the head coaches of the two respective teams. Dare I say it, the HarBowl?
