Super Bowl Prediction: Pain

Jan 20, 2013; Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (52) could be one of the best at his position all-time. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Being a new member of the sports media (insert joke here) I should probably give you my Super Bowl Prediction.  Well in the spirit of Mr. T in Rocky III,  My Super Bowl prediction:  pain! This Super Bowl should be the most physical in 10 years.  On the Raven’s sideline you have one of the most dominating linebackers even to play the game in Ray Lewis.  Lewis who is known for punishing hits and intense play has passed that trait to the rest of his teammates.  Ed Reed, whose hits have earned him suspensions, with be roaming the defensive backfield looking to decapitate the 49er’s upstart Quarterback, Colin Kaepernick.  Meanwhile Terrell Suggs will serve as a solid brick wall for the 49er’s Frank Gore to run into.

The 49ers do not back down and will not be intimidated by the Raven’s Hall of Fame led defense.  Since taking over the San Francisco 49er’s, head coach Jim Harbaugh has led with fearless intensity and emotion.  His team follows that lead and despite not having top talent have emerged as a perennial Super Bowl contender.  The San Francisco 49er’s Super Bowl hopes rest on the arm and feet of their rookie Quarterback.  If Kaepernick is able to use his speed to elude the Raven’s biltz then he should be able to do damage down field. But there is more to avoiding the consequences an NFL blitz then dodging defenders.  The real question is whether or not Colin Kaepernick will have the mental toughness to stay focused when facing the pressure on sport’s biggest stage.  If he can do that the 49er’s will be successful.  However considering the biggest game of his football career came against Boise State, I am not convinced he has the mental toughness to pull that off.

This game will be physical and it will be close.  In the end it will be the Ravens that pull out the win.  The Baltimore Ravens will win with the experience of Ray Lewis and the hunger of Joe Flacco; who hopes to finally shut-up the critics by winning the biggest of games.    Again my Super Bowl Prediction is Pain.  Pain of a young QB being knocked off his pillar, the aches of an old gladiator preparing himself for one more battle and the anguish of one brother losing the most important game of his life to the other.  However, their pain will be our pleasure as this promises to be one of the most entertaining Super Bowls of all-time.