Yesterday the FA finally responded to the pressure the government has been putting football under. That pressure is to clean up the financial situation in English football and remove the fear the government has of having to bail out another football club that gets its self into a Leeds or Portsmouth state.
The FA announced yesterday a 3 year plan which they described as making football more sustainable. In fact the plan has more loop holes than a 7 year olds shoe lace. The plan is a two point statement the first being no club can make a greater loss than £105m other the next 3 seasons. My first point against this is why is this not set to zero how can any club making a loss be financially sustainable, I understand this is a bit radical considering the losses some premier league clubs run but in my opinion that is the only way you can be 100% sustainable. Clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea who have some of the biggest losses can also by-pass this ruling as it does not include stadium redevelopments and academies there is also nothing stopping a rich owner ploughing more money into the club and just calling it a sponsorship deal to mask over the operating losses.
The second part of the plan is centred around wages. The FA announced if you pay more than £52m in wages in one year the next year you will only be allowed a £4m increase on this (so having £56m the following year for wages). The FA has made this clear that this is not a salary cap and I would respond by saying we can clearly see that. The final details of how this will work are to be voted on in April but i would suggest a hard salary cap to not only help financial stability but also fair play. However it is a step in the right direction to make players wages actually reflect reality. The one question mark I have over this is the timing by introducing this now it reflects really badly on club owners as they try to take a bigger slice of the eagerly anticipated TV revenue.
This plan put in place by the FA is only in the infancy stage of helping create financial sustainability in football but I feel they need to be stronger reducing the loop holes that even a amateur like me can spot and at the same time create fair play.
Friday, 8 February 2013
Thursday, 7 February 2013
Wilshere next Messi?
In last nights England v Brazil friendly many English fans were excited at getting their first look at a young, talented and perhaps future worlds best player. Instead it was another 21 year old instead that took centre stage and showed the world his great potential. Jack Wilshere has fought his way back through some horrific injuries over the last year or so but finally looks like he is back to his best or even better.
In last nights game everything good that England created came through Wilshere in the centre midfield. He honourably said after the game it was great to have Gerrard alongside him to keep him going in the second half and to be at his assistance. Yet it appeared it was Wilshere dishing out the instructions and being the man at the centre of the controls. He was the one with the driving runs through midfield and he was the one who rolled Walcott in or gave Welbeck a ball to run on to. These are Wilshere's strengths no other England or Arsenal player looks as comfortable in possession or can make such a range of passes. Many English players can look comfortable in possession but very few do when going forward. He can make forward threatening passes and his driving runs from midfield normally involve taking on a player or two to put his team in a more dangerous position.
In this blog I'm going to refer to Wilshere and his position in the England team but what I mention is defiantly applicable to Arsenal. Wilshere is like no other centre midfielder we have had, he looks to move the game on at a faster pace, has a greater awareness for what is about to happen and has the skills to do something about this. England also have to play a system around Wilshere there is no use playing a target man up front who does not run between defenders, or wingers/ full backs who are not prepared to go forward. He is also better suited to a 3 man midfield, having players around him helps with maintaing possession and Wilshere is only going to be dangerous if he has the ball.
The most exiting thing about Wilshere is he stills has bags of potential to fulfil. He is only 21 and still on the comeback from a string of injuries. He needs to add a few things to his game such as his finishing, he his not the most natural in front of goal and how special would he be if he could add goals to the end of those driving runs were he has beaten multiple players. I also believe he needs to add that killer instinct in the final third, for all the hard work he does he needs to just to be that person that adds the final pass or cross to claim the assist.
His character is not a concern from what I have read and listened to, he is willing to work hard, grounded and has a good network of people around him. Having all these should allow him to develop into an absolute great player.
If he was to go half way to adding those missing components to his game then we can start making that comparison I mentioned in the headline. I thought it would be interesting to consider this comparison though as when he skipped past players yesterday it was very Messi esc.
In last nights game everything good that England created came through Wilshere in the centre midfield. He honourably said after the game it was great to have Gerrard alongside him to keep him going in the second half and to be at his assistance. Yet it appeared it was Wilshere dishing out the instructions and being the man at the centre of the controls. He was the one with the driving runs through midfield and he was the one who rolled Walcott in or gave Welbeck a ball to run on to. These are Wilshere's strengths no other England or Arsenal player looks as comfortable in possession or can make such a range of passes. Many English players can look comfortable in possession but very few do when going forward. He can make forward threatening passes and his driving runs from midfield normally involve taking on a player or two to put his team in a more dangerous position.
In this blog I'm going to refer to Wilshere and his position in the England team but what I mention is defiantly applicable to Arsenal. Wilshere is like no other centre midfielder we have had, he looks to move the game on at a faster pace, has a greater awareness for what is about to happen and has the skills to do something about this. England also have to play a system around Wilshere there is no use playing a target man up front who does not run between defenders, or wingers/ full backs who are not prepared to go forward. He is also better suited to a 3 man midfield, having players around him helps with maintaing possession and Wilshere is only going to be dangerous if he has the ball.
The most exiting thing about Wilshere is he stills has bags of potential to fulfil. He is only 21 and still on the comeback from a string of injuries. He needs to add a few things to his game such as his finishing, he his not the most natural in front of goal and how special would he be if he could add goals to the end of those driving runs were he has beaten multiple players. I also believe he needs to add that killer instinct in the final third, for all the hard work he does he needs to just to be that person that adds the final pass or cross to claim the assist.
His character is not a concern from what I have read and listened to, he is willing to work hard, grounded and has a good network of people around him. Having all these should allow him to develop into an absolute great player.
If he was to go half way to adding those missing components to his game then we can start making that comparison I mentioned in the headline. I thought it would be interesting to consider this comparison though as when he skipped past players yesterday it was very Messi esc.
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
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.
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.
Tuesday, 5 February 2013
Are they tipped to return?
Still having massive Internet problems at home and so can not access my game pass to watch the Super Bowl again and give a full review. Hope to be back up and running soon so watch this space. In the mean time I wanted to think which team is more likely to return to the Super Bowl next season.
First of all going to two Super Bowls in a row is a very difficult fate which not many have done only New England in more recent history. I have also maybe got bit of a surprising opinion and actually doubt Baltimore's chances of returning to the Super Bowl. I'm even going to make a massive statement and say they do not even get in the playoff next season.
I actually thought this over a month ago as the ravens were crawling into the playoffs, they face a an off season of big change. On top of that they have a Super Bowl to celebrate all before preparing to play in a very competitive AFC north.
The main change is they will loss Ray Lewis no team will ever be the say if you take out such a big leader. He was a leader on and off the pitch and they will not be able to replace him for his leadership skills they will be able to replace him as a MLB. His play gradually declined he does not shed blocks as easily as he once did, lacks a few strides of pace and is not the cover linebacker teams now require. Therefore the Ravens may get an upgrade in this department but they will feel a bigger loss in the locker room. Ed Reed is uncertain to his plans next year and the Ravens heavily rely on him to make plays on the back end. The un-song hear on the Ravens D is Ngata easily the best defensive linemen in the NFL. He picked up a serious injury in the Super Bowl and could face an off season of surgery and time away from the practise field. This defence needs to become younger and more athletic.
The offence will be more consistent and less change will take place. The only issue is Flacco's contract he enters the off season with no contract and with his performances in 2013 he is going to require top dollar. Getting this could be a length procedure and again could result in more time not on the practise field. Also as NFL offences get more dynamic with read option offences scoring more points and scoring quickly I question can this offence keep up with others.
On the other hand 49ers who have been to the championship game two years in a row and just need to take one more step and win the Bowl. The defence is still young and I expect will add a couple more pieces on the back end to continue to get younger and help make plays. The only question mark is Justin Smiths health, this defence needs him healthy to free up other players to make plays. Get him back quickly and this defence is solid and built to be productive for many years.
The offence is ever evolving, I think we have only seen half the deck when it comes to Kapernicks cards. The biggest obstacle he faces is there is tape out there on him now and ever D coordinator this off season will be working out how to stop the option read offence. I think we are going to see part 2 of this offence next season which I expect to involve more of an illusive back who will gradually be Gore's replacement. We have learnt Kaepernick can throw a great ball all over the park, so NFL be worried if the 49ers add another receiver to play opposite Crabtree.
The 49ers unlike the Ravens will return to the playoffs next year and probably go deep. I expect the NFC to be a tough conference though next year with young teams like the Seahawks and then Packers and Saints returning to their best but the 49ers will be amongst them.
One final side note a quality stat from a sixth former today, forever 2 minutes of televised live NBA there will be 2 and half minutes of commercials during that game. Unbelievable stat.
First of all going to two Super Bowls in a row is a very difficult fate which not many have done only New England in more recent history. I have also maybe got bit of a surprising opinion and actually doubt Baltimore's chances of returning to the Super Bowl. I'm even going to make a massive statement and say they do not even get in the playoff next season.
I actually thought this over a month ago as the ravens were crawling into the playoffs, they face a an off season of big change. On top of that they have a Super Bowl to celebrate all before preparing to play in a very competitive AFC north.
The main change is they will loss Ray Lewis no team will ever be the say if you take out such a big leader. He was a leader on and off the pitch and they will not be able to replace him for his leadership skills they will be able to replace him as a MLB. His play gradually declined he does not shed blocks as easily as he once did, lacks a few strides of pace and is not the cover linebacker teams now require. Therefore the Ravens may get an upgrade in this department but they will feel a bigger loss in the locker room. Ed Reed is uncertain to his plans next year and the Ravens heavily rely on him to make plays on the back end. The un-song hear on the Ravens D is Ngata easily the best defensive linemen in the NFL. He picked up a serious injury in the Super Bowl and could face an off season of surgery and time away from the practise field. This defence needs to become younger and more athletic.
The offence will be more consistent and less change will take place. The only issue is Flacco's contract he enters the off season with no contract and with his performances in 2013 he is going to require top dollar. Getting this could be a length procedure and again could result in more time not on the practise field. Also as NFL offences get more dynamic with read option offences scoring more points and scoring quickly I question can this offence keep up with others.
On the other hand 49ers who have been to the championship game two years in a row and just need to take one more step and win the Bowl. The defence is still young and I expect will add a couple more pieces on the back end to continue to get younger and help make plays. The only question mark is Justin Smiths health, this defence needs him healthy to free up other players to make plays. Get him back quickly and this defence is solid and built to be productive for many years.
The offence is ever evolving, I think we have only seen half the deck when it comes to Kapernicks cards. The biggest obstacle he faces is there is tape out there on him now and ever D coordinator this off season will be working out how to stop the option read offence. I think we are going to see part 2 of this offence next season which I expect to involve more of an illusive back who will gradually be Gore's replacement. We have learnt Kaepernick can throw a great ball all over the park, so NFL be worried if the 49ers add another receiver to play opposite Crabtree.
The 49ers unlike the Ravens will return to the playoffs next year and probably go deep. I expect the NFC to be a tough conference though next year with young teams like the Seahawks and then Packers and Saints returning to their best but the 49ers will be amongst them.
One final side note a quality stat from a sixth former today, forever 2 minutes of televised live NBA there will be 2 and half minutes of commercials during that game. Unbelievable stat.
Monday, 4 February 2013
Match fixing
I was going to give my Super Bowl review today but to be honest I have still not recovered from all the excitement. Therefore I'm going to take one more look at the coaches film this evening and relive it all again and then give a much more level head review. Today's blog will focus on the big news today that match fixing has hit soccer.
In recent time cricket has played the victim of match fixing but it appears that something much bigger is about to explode in soccer. The two do have one similarity and that is the operation of this crime seems to be based in Asia. Even the match fixing involved in county cricket was based other in the East and police are aiming their investigations in that direction again.
Today it was revealed that over 600 games have been involved in match fixing over the last 4 years, worldwide and hundreds of officials, clubs and players are part takers. What has caught the headlines is that one of these games took place in England and was a champions league tie. The match at the moment can not be named for identity reasons.
The fear is that the news uncovered today is literally the tip of the ice berg and now the public is aware more and more answers are going to be needed therefore the truth is going to have to be uncovered. The game faces a serious worry tonight as the image of the game could be scared forever. I believe over the next few weeks more and more games, clubs, officials and players are going to be called out as match fixers.
Of course anyone would need to be found guilty and then have the opportunity to prove their not guilty. In the past cricket has taken a harsh stance dishing out life time bans and facing legal prosecution and jail. Will soccer take a similar stance and could we see big time players facing some serious punishments. I have a horrible feeling this is only going to get worse before it gets better.
In recent time cricket has played the victim of match fixing but it appears that something much bigger is about to explode in soccer. The two do have one similarity and that is the operation of this crime seems to be based in Asia. Even the match fixing involved in county cricket was based other in the East and police are aiming their investigations in that direction again.
Today it was revealed that over 600 games have been involved in match fixing over the last 4 years, worldwide and hundreds of officials, clubs and players are part takers. What has caught the headlines is that one of these games took place in England and was a champions league tie. The match at the moment can not be named for identity reasons.
The fear is that the news uncovered today is literally the tip of the ice berg and now the public is aware more and more answers are going to be needed therefore the truth is going to have to be uncovered. The game faces a serious worry tonight as the image of the game could be scared forever. I believe over the next few weeks more and more games, clubs, officials and players are going to be called out as match fixers.
Of course anyone would need to be found guilty and then have the opportunity to prove their not guilty. In the past cricket has taken a harsh stance dishing out life time bans and facing legal prosecution and jail. Will soccer take a similar stance and could we see big time players facing some serious punishments. I have a horrible feeling this is only going to get worse before it gets better.
Sunday, 3 February 2013
New Orleans
Tonight New Orleans will hold the most watched event ever. The whole eyes of the world will be looking at one city and in particular one stadium the Super dome. What ever happens sporting wise between Baltimore and San Francisco there is one guarantee the city of New Orleans will put on one hell of an event and even bigger party.
This is not the first time the worlds eyes have been centred upon this great city in the state of Louisiana. Back in 2005 hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans causing great damage and fatality, it was the worst hurricane to ever hit the city. It made parts of the city inhabitable for years and thousands of people have never returned back to the city losing property and loved ones.
During this terrible time when thousands of people of were homeless they sought shelter for days at the home of the New Orleans Saints, the Super dome. This great stadium became an iconic symbol of the city as it was a place of refuge and repatriation with family.
Since this day New Orleans has been in a rebuilding phase. People have built their lives back together in the city that loves to party. Tonight the world will witness the last stage of that rebuilding phase as it plays host to Super Bowl 47. The Super Dome already looks magnificent once again being the icon of this city and the French quarter is prepped to hold one of the best parties ever.
New Orleans people have had some dark days since 2005 but I have a feeling tonight the city will be illuminated with joy in what is bound to be a bright future. Have a great night New Orleans and enjoy the Super Bowl everyone.
This is not the first time the worlds eyes have been centred upon this great city in the state of Louisiana. Back in 2005 hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans causing great damage and fatality, it was the worst hurricane to ever hit the city. It made parts of the city inhabitable for years and thousands of people have never returned back to the city losing property and loved ones.
During this terrible time when thousands of people of were homeless they sought shelter for days at the home of the New Orleans Saints, the Super dome. This great stadium became an iconic symbol of the city as it was a place of refuge and repatriation with family.
Since this day New Orleans has been in a rebuilding phase. People have built their lives back together in the city that loves to party. Tonight the world will witness the last stage of that rebuilding phase as it plays host to Super Bowl 47. The Super Dome already looks magnificent once again being the icon of this city and the French quarter is prepped to hold one of the best parties ever.
New Orleans people have had some dark days since 2005 but I have a feeling tonight the city will be illuminated with joy in what is bound to be a bright future. Have a great night New Orleans and enjoy the Super Bowl everyone.
Saturday, 2 February 2013
Super Bowl Preview
On the eve of the Super Bowl brings my last preview and prediction of the season. It's a game I love and always look forward to with great anticipation but it is also the last game of the season which is never a good thing. Later this week I will do some seasonal reviews but for today it's all looking forward to tomorrow's big game. I'm going to look at both teams in great detail in today's blog, I have watched all their playoff games, listened to the press conferences and experts and feel more equipped than any other game I have watched.
Baltimore
There is no where else to start than saying this game is defiantly Ray Lewis's last ever game. The previous three games have been emotional affairs knowing this fact and this is going to be no different. That last game speech is going to move mountains let a-known football players, that field entrance is going to be more entertaining than Beyonce's half time performance and he is bound to make one more explosion play it could be an interception or fumble. I expect Baltimore to ride this emotional roller coaster for one more game and the player they refer to as their big brother to lead them.
Lewis has been playing well in the playoffs leading the team in tackles but this defence as been stout. They managed to control the games two best passers with neither of them having much success. I expect the Ravens to do a similar good job of the 49ers they will have come up with ways to contain Kaepernick and different ways to attack that pistol read option offence. I think the Ravens secondary will keep a lid on the receivers all night as they have done for much of the playoffs. Where this defence can win the game for Ravens is by pinching a possession or two,they will need to do this at critical times to prevent Kaepernick getting into a rhythm.
The offence has not relied on Rice in the playoffs as much as I had thought but hopefully he sees a lot of the ball on Sunday. Through Rice the game can be controlled and with Bernard a nice change of pace this rushing attack is something serious. They are going to have a tough time because the 49ers run defence is stout. So much rides on Flaccos play they need to take their shots deep to Smith who is a deep threat king and this is the throw Flacco throws best. What he must do is trust his arm across the middle Boldin has played brilliantly in January and will be a good option come Sunday night and has the experience of playing the big game.
San Francisco
The 49ers have been building up to this game for a couple of years now. They made it to the championship game last year and this year have made that final step and it appears that final piece to the puzzle fell into place this year. That piece of course being Kaepernick the quarterback. He is playing this read option offence like no one could have imagined, I think he makes the best reads out of all the quarterbacks that run this offence. When he runs he is explosive so quick and sensible knowing when to hit the sideline or slide down. He throws a strong football meaning it comes out with great velocity I still question his intermediate routes and his all round precision but I feel these questions could be answered come Monday.
There are two even more dangerous parts to this offence in my opinion. One being Frank Gore teams and now spying Kaepernick leaving plenty of running room when Kaepernick makes all the correct reads. He has had great success in the playoffs and I think he may continue to on Sunday this will be Ray Lewis responsibility to shut down. Then there is TE Davis he is a match up nightmare and the Ravens do not have a natural line backer who matches up well to stop him. He also shows up on big games.
Finally the defence, I have said for numerous weeks I think this defence is the most complete defence in football. However recently I have spotted a hole through the injury of Smith. Justin Smith is not playing his best due to the injury he has been carrying for the last coupe of months. This has meant extra responsibilities for Aldon Smith in stopping the run which has in turn worn him down and preventing him for getting to the quarterback as much. They will need to set Smith free at some point in this game as the Ravens O-Line has played outstanding this last month.
There you go a few key match ups to look forward to tomorrow and that's without mentioning Lewis riding of in to the sunset, this Super Bowl being a family affair and Moss and Reed on potentially joining Lewis. Without putting it of any more my Super Bowl prediction I will not hide the fact I want the Ravens, being a sucker for a fairy tale but my head says 49ers. With Kaepernick they could explode at any minute and that defence is totally solid. 49ers win this in a low scoring game by 5 points.
Baltimore
There is no where else to start than saying this game is defiantly Ray Lewis's last ever game. The previous three games have been emotional affairs knowing this fact and this is going to be no different. That last game speech is going to move mountains let a-known football players, that field entrance is going to be more entertaining than Beyonce's half time performance and he is bound to make one more explosion play it could be an interception or fumble. I expect Baltimore to ride this emotional roller coaster for one more game and the player they refer to as their big brother to lead them.
Lewis has been playing well in the playoffs leading the team in tackles but this defence as been stout. They managed to control the games two best passers with neither of them having much success. I expect the Ravens to do a similar good job of the 49ers they will have come up with ways to contain Kaepernick and different ways to attack that pistol read option offence. I think the Ravens secondary will keep a lid on the receivers all night as they have done for much of the playoffs. Where this defence can win the game for Ravens is by pinching a possession or two,they will need to do this at critical times to prevent Kaepernick getting into a rhythm.
The offence has not relied on Rice in the playoffs as much as I had thought but hopefully he sees a lot of the ball on Sunday. Through Rice the game can be controlled and with Bernard a nice change of pace this rushing attack is something serious. They are going to have a tough time because the 49ers run defence is stout. So much rides on Flaccos play they need to take their shots deep to Smith who is a deep threat king and this is the throw Flacco throws best. What he must do is trust his arm across the middle Boldin has played brilliantly in January and will be a good option come Sunday night and has the experience of playing the big game.
San Francisco
The 49ers have been building up to this game for a couple of years now. They made it to the championship game last year and this year have made that final step and it appears that final piece to the puzzle fell into place this year. That piece of course being Kaepernick the quarterback. He is playing this read option offence like no one could have imagined, I think he makes the best reads out of all the quarterbacks that run this offence. When he runs he is explosive so quick and sensible knowing when to hit the sideline or slide down. He throws a strong football meaning it comes out with great velocity I still question his intermediate routes and his all round precision but I feel these questions could be answered come Monday.
There are two even more dangerous parts to this offence in my opinion. One being Frank Gore teams and now spying Kaepernick leaving plenty of running room when Kaepernick makes all the correct reads. He has had great success in the playoffs and I think he may continue to on Sunday this will be Ray Lewis responsibility to shut down. Then there is TE Davis he is a match up nightmare and the Ravens do not have a natural line backer who matches up well to stop him. He also shows up on big games.
Finally the defence, I have said for numerous weeks I think this defence is the most complete defence in football. However recently I have spotted a hole through the injury of Smith. Justin Smith is not playing his best due to the injury he has been carrying for the last coupe of months. This has meant extra responsibilities for Aldon Smith in stopping the run which has in turn worn him down and preventing him for getting to the quarterback as much. They will need to set Smith free at some point in this game as the Ravens O-Line has played outstanding this last month.
There you go a few key match ups to look forward to tomorrow and that's without mentioning Lewis riding of in to the sunset, this Super Bowl being a family affair and Moss and Reed on potentially joining Lewis. Without putting it of any more my Super Bowl prediction I will not hide the fact I want the Ravens, being a sucker for a fairy tale but my head says 49ers. With Kaepernick they could explode at any minute and that defence is totally solid. 49ers win this in a low scoring game by 5 points.
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