The Ravens beat the Patriots on Sunday, allowing Baltimore to face off against the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl on February 3.
Tom Brady’s leadership was no match for Joe Flacco, who three touchdown passes in the second half, leading the Ravens to a 28-13 victory of New England.
The Baltimore Sun reports that this will be the first Super Bowl for Baltimore in 12 years. The Ravens’ win on Sunday also brings into play a new dynamic for the biggest game in NFL.
The Ravens coach, John Harbaugh, will meet his brother, Jim Harbaugh of the 49ers, as the two brothers’ teams duke it out for the top spot in the National Football League.
The 49ers have been listed as five-point favorites to win the bowl, but both teams have shown their ability to rally back from lowing positions to win the day. Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis will also be making his final game at the Super Bowl. He was the MVP the last time the Ravens went to the bowl game — the only time they have won it.
Newsday notes that Stephen Gostkowski helped give the Pats an early lead in the AFC Championship game after he kicked the ball for 31 yards in the first quarter. Wes Welker helped extend that lead with four minutes remaining in the first half. But it was a day of injuries for New England — a fact that may have contributed to their downfall.
Cornerback Aqib Talig injured his thigh and defensive tackle Kyle Love hurt his knee. Backup safety Patrick Chung was later helped off the field after just one play. The Patriots also played without tight end Rob Gronkowski. Gronkowski broke his left arm last week during the Pats’ win over the Texans.
Will you be rooting for the Ravens or the 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII?