OK, sports nuts of btalks! I know we are several days past the big game, but wanted others thoughts on it.
Here are a few observations from (boasting) btalks biggest football fanatic!

What went right for the Ravens:

1. Their emotional level was CONSISTANTLY higher than the 49ers. They were a wildcard and had to do it ALL on the road in the post season. They were battle tested and appeared as if they had everything to gain and nothing to lose. Their path to 47 reminded me a lot of the road warrior Steelers team that won Superbowl 45(?).

2. Flacco was good. But, IMO, he wasn’t the MVP-his offensive line was the MVP. When you give your quarterback a 10 alligator rush, he’s going to find SOMEONE open. Besides a few jailbreaks later in the game, that o-line was lights out. That was no small accomplishment against that 49 front 7. Flacco was BARELY touched in the first half.
3. The Ravens game out of the gate fast. They didn’t wait around for the Niner offense to get rolling (which, it eventually did).

What went wrong for the 49ers
1. 3 first half red zone visits-resulting in 6 measly points and a turnover. That’s 21 blown points people! Reminds me of the 2011 Alex Smith 49er team. Unacceptable for football’s biggest stage. Even punching ONE of those trips for 7 would have made the difference in the game.
2. Their secondary was attrocious. While they have one of the most feared front 7 in football, they need to patch up what has, at times appeared to be a pourous secondary.

Much Ado About Nothing; overtalked about NON factors:
1. “The power outage was a momentum killer for Baltimore and fueled the 49 comeback” Hogwash! Does anyone need to be reminded that the outage occured only a few minutes into the 3rd quarter? The nearly hour long half time didn’t seem to quell the momentum since the Ravens ran the second half kickoff back 106 yards! The Ravens can blame themselves for the 49er comeback. The blackout had nothing to do with it. The Ravens simply FORGOT that there was still half a game to play against a team that has had some notable comebacks this year. So, keep you’re men focused, Coach John, and QUIT YOUR WHINING!

2. The ‘no call’ on the 49ers last drive. Lets be fair, Coach Jim, that call could have gone EITHER way. Both players were pushing and shoving. Crabtree was doing some pushing off himself. I suppose in a critical part of the game, the best call when both parties are guilty, IS a non call. Defensive pass interference-one sideline errupts in anger for good reason. Offensive pass interference-the other sideline errupts in anger for good reason. It was a good ‘no call’ from an officiating standpoint.

Fundies are having a fit over the Go Daddy commercial. This coming from the same group of idiots who are against a woman’s right to choose, but also against safety nets to assure that child she keeps remains healthy, provided nutricious foods, and help with food and shelter. Oh, lets not forget that they are against educating kids about sex and providing birth control so that a pregnant woman isn’t faced with those decisions to begin with. Sex is somehow that ‘forbidden fruit’ that their babies-they’re hoping-never think to partake from.

You have to be happy for Ray Lewis. What a fairy tale ending for him! The Niners are my 2nd favorites. I’m a die hard Tampa Bay Bucs fan, but realize that the only bowl they’ll see any time soon is the porceline one inside the locker room.

I’m hopeful that the Niners have many more Superbowls ahaead of them with Kaep at QB and Jim H at the helm. Kaepernack went from boy to man REAL quick. The team has really gravitated around him. He’s galvanized that offense for sure. He’s the first legitimate DUAL threat I’ve seen at QB. He can win it with his legs and his arm. I respect his attitude following the loss.’Hey, we should have won the game. We need to work harder’. He already has plans with several of his receivers to go right back to work in a few days. He took the responsibility on himself, promised the fans they would work hard and move forward. This kid isn’t just a superb athlete, he’s VERY mature for a 25 year old having a breakout season! He’s not satisfied with what he’s accomplished and is committed to NEVER GETTING COMFORTABLE. Its Coach Jim’s brand all the way. As long as he stays grounded and maintains that perfect balance of energy and humility, he’s going to be their franchise QB for years to come!

Wasn’t Jim Harbaugh the Bears QB in the 80′s or 90′s? I know Singletary has to be somewhat creditted with SF’s defensive style of play. I

I guess the 1980′d Chicago, Ditka smashmouth style, in your face football has had a MAJOR influence in Niner land! The 49ers of the 80′s were more known as a finness style of football team. You gotta appreciate the influence the 80′s Bears have had on the current 49er’s. He don’t play in Chicago unless you’re prepared to do some hitting and trash talking.

The 1985 Bears are considered the best single season team in the history of football.

A pox upon heretic unbelievers!

Did you know? Sixteen years ago, on Oct. 13, 1996, Baltimore’s rookie middle linebacker Ray Lewis tackled Colts quarterback Jim Harbaugh for his ( RL’s) first career sack.