Super Bowl review

Here you go fans I have finally recovered from all the excitement and watched the game a couple of times and so here is my review of the big game. First of all regardless of the half time performance, the lights going out and all the sub story lines that went along with this Super Bowl it was easily the best Super Bowl I have ever watched. It had everything, late drama, quality football offensively and defensively and two great coaches who also happen to have two of the most tactically astute minds in the game.

It's hard to know where to start with such a great game like this one but much of the focus has centred upon the two quarterbacks, Flacco and Kapernick. Both in my opinion had fantastic Super Bowls and took their games to the next level. First of all Kapernick did all the things we expected he used his athletic prowess to beat the Ravens D and is a master of the option read offence. He also stepped up in areas I did not expect, he had total control of the offence making multiple changes to the play at the line of scrimmage showing his understanding of the offence in just his first year as a starter. In the past I have criticised his throwing ability but he can make all the throws and throws it like a laser, he is on target with great velocity. His performance was close to excellent, he did have one interception and I think in the off season he needs to work on his anticipation rather than waiting for receivers to run un-covered but he will be back on the biggest stage I'm sure.

Flacco had easily the best game of his career and what stood out for me is how dangerous he is in the red zone. When it comes down to the most important part of the field his decision making is so precise it helps the ravens offence which is not the most explosive score points. He also displayed great pocket movement something he has not done in the past. The offensive line is much better and generally had a good game but the 49ers can get after the quarterback but Flacco was able to buy his receivers some time by stepping up and sliding in the pocket. Adding these two relatively new elements to his game can take Flacco to elite status he already has a cannon of an arm, is strong and can make all the throws. Baltimore are going to have to pay their Super Bowl MVP quarterback this off season.

The 49ers MVP for me though was TE Davis no one could cover him all day. If you read my Super Bowl prediction blog I predicted a big game from Davis and he did not disappoint. He runs crossing routes better than any TE currently in the game and has the speed to take him away from covering line backers making him so open hence why he has become Kapernicks go to guy. One man for the Ravens who deserves a lot of attention is kick returner and receiver Jones. That return was sensational and he had no right to return it for a TD, it was poor coverage from the 49ers and it is in my opinion the factor that killed of the 49ers. What was just as surprising was he stood up on offence catching a TD as well something he has struggled with all season.

I could go on for days analysing the football aspect of the Super Bowl but I will not I will finish with one final view. I also realise there has been a bit of an overload in American Football over the last couple of days so promise tomorrow will be something different.

There is only one place I can leave this Super Bowl review blog and that's with the person who this Super Bowl belongs to. Ray Lewis finally has his second ring and can leave the game from the highest podium. Off the field I'm sure his leadership was invaluable this week especially to the younger players, I'm sure he was also an inspiration to the Ravens and their fans. His performance will not be remembered it was close to awful with missed tackles and not able to get of blocks. However I noticed one thing that I thought was rather interesting and that was the birth of the next great Ravens leader. There will never be another Lewis he is perhaps the greatest leader in all of sports but on Sunday one man that stood next to Lewis at MLB came to the front. Ellerbe was regularly calling plays and positioning defenders, he was the man in the middle that set the tone for the defence. I'm expecting big things from Ellerbe and Lewis might be leaving the Ravens in capable hands.

I will always remember this Super Bowl not for the power shortage or this new dynamic option read offence making it to the big game or two brothers going head to head for the biggest prize but for one mans desire to finish his illustrious career at the highest point. I do not think I need to remember his performance because he has over 200 games worth of great performances but I doubt I will ever witness such a great leader and inspiration to one franchise. Congratulations Ravens, congratulations to the biggest raven of them all Ray Lewis. See you in five years for your hall of fame speech.