Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick warms-up prior to facing the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

As far as the teams go this one is fairly even. Both defenses are very good. Albeit the Ravens are probably a little healthier than the Niners on defense. Both defenses run a base 3-4 and they are loaded with talent up and down on the defensive side of the ball.

The Ravens are anchored by 2 first ballot hall of famers in Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. The Ravens defense is a little long in the tooth but still capable of dominating a game.

The Niners defense has Pro Bowlers galore. They are anchored by Patrick Willis and Aldon Smith. The Niners defense is young and hungry. They are looking to supplant the Ravens as the premiere defense in the NFL in statistics and reputation. Emphasis on reputation.

Just as on defense, the offenses are similar in their approach to the game. Run to set up the pass. The play of both quartetrbacks will be pivotal in the game. If I had to give an edge to either offense I would give it to the Niners based on the talents of Colin Kaepernick. He is really an X-factor here. Having only played in 9 games thus far works for and against him at the same time.

It works for him because the Ravens have very limited film on him (good) and it limits his actual game experience (bad). But what he does have big time in his favor is the ability to take off and make plays with his legs. That is what I think will be the difference in this game.

I see the score being 27-23 Niners with Kaepernick being the MVP based on how well he will run the ball today.

No matter who you are pulling for it should be a very entertaining game so enjoy!

God Bless!

Follow me on Twitter @JoeRiollano

Dec. 14, 2008; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis (58) celebrates sacking Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler (6) in the Panthers 30-10 victory against the Broncos at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-US PRESSWIRE

Earlier in the week, Davis, who is a Georgia native, was asked a few questions at the Athens Country Club in Athens, GA. He was there as a featured guest and speaker on behalf of the Touchdown Club.

From what I gather, it was an interview at the event, conducted by a journalist for the local Athens Banner-Herald and Thomas Davis. (A link is below for the entire question and answer with Thomas Davis)http://onlineathens.com/sports/college-sports/2012-04-10/5-questions-panthers-lb-former-uga-player-thomas-davis

The 29 year old Davis is attempting something that has yet to be seen in the NFL(in regards to coming back from three straight significant ACL injuries), and was asked “How do you think the knee will hold up?”.

Not only did he feel confident enough to say he would play all 19 games, which would include a grueling playoff push, but the Panther Linebacker also Rex Ryan’d us and went with a Super Bowl prediction.

“I am looking forward to playing the full 19 game season and winning the Super Bowl”

Thomas Davis

Really?

Well, Im not going to expand on the rest of the interview but only this one quote because this is the only part being talked about, and will continue to get talked about and even perhaps made bigger than it should be!

Now is this off-season motivation for NFC South and Carolina opponents heading into the season, maybe. More than that, I know it will add to the pressure Thomas Davis alone will feel throughout the season to not only stay healthy, but contribute in a way that sends his Panthers into the Playoffs.

Though, as of now, heading into the season(not including the draft obviously), Carolina’s defense has three key contributing starters coming back from injuries including Davis. The combination of Davis, Jon Beason,  and Ron Edwards, all returning for the start of this upcoming season will only boost the Panthers defense in a positive way. Each coming back is like adding a free agent or even a starter from the Draft, without the negative even of taking up roster space or costing the team extra money.

The more you think about the comment and really dissect the possibilities, the more it starts to sound not so unreasonable. In a few more weeks, Carolina may have a new starter or two, added via the 2012 Draft. And if that is the case, the thought of a run into at least the Playoffs for the 2012 Panthers isn’t so far fetched.

Offensively, Carolina is primed to continue to set records and run all over NFL defenses for as long as Cam Newton will lead. You add a defense that can make plays and get off the field in a timely manor, Thomas Davis won’t be the only one talking about a run to the Super Bowl.

Like this column? Don’t forget to catch my columns on http://keepingitheel.com/ too, covering everything UNC!

Sure the game was close and the Steelers made it interesting late, but it seemed so lackluster.  Where was the big plays that opened up the game or changed the flow?  Where was the Super Bowl records being broken?  (only one, both teams set the record for least rushing attempts combined in a Super Bowl).  The most exciting part of the game came within hours of the gates opening when 1,200 fans suddenly realized that the stadium’s attempt to add seating failed and they couldn’t watch the game.

800 were reassigned seating while 400 got to watch it on TV…they ended being paid three times the 900 dollar ticket value, were allowed on the field post-game, were given free stuff, food, drinks, and tickets to the next Super Bowl.  I would have taken all that to watch the game on TV in the stadium.

The real treat however wasn’t the action on the field or the half-time show that to me really should have just be Fergie without the “Peas”, no the real treat came in the class that was displayed by both clubs.  Leading up to, during, and after the game was over.  As was pointed out to me by my good friend George on Monday.

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