October 18, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers free safety Dashon Goldson (38) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Seahawks 13-6. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Ever since the playoffs started, Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco has been playing lights out. To date, Flacco has torched defenses for 853 passing yards and eight touchdowns. However, despite those amazing stats, none has been more impressive than his zero interceptions. That’s right, Flacco has yet to throw an interception in this year’s playoffs. In a game where turnovers determine wins and losses, it has been Flacco that has catapulted the Ravens to the Super Bowl.

Flacco’s combination of arm strength and accuracy is as good as it gets. His uncanny ability to throw the deep ball is remarkable, and his confidence to throw a down-field strike in any given moment should be of concern to San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

So how will the 49ers counter Flacco’s strength? By first stopping the run.

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Justin Smith (94) tackles Green Bay Packers running back DuJuan Harris (26) during the second quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers defense loaded with Pro-Bowl talent, ended the regular season with the 4th ranked rushing defense, allowing a paltry 94.2 rush yards per game. The Niners front seven is by far the best in the league, as they do an exceptional job of hitting their gaps while rarely missing their assignments. Their ability to stop the run while making teams one-dimensional, is a thing of beauty, and should help give them an advantage in Super Bowl XLVII.

Flacco, not known for his scrambling ability will then be forced to make plays through the air. And that’s where the fun comes in.

November 11, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) sacks St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) during overtime at Candlestick Park. The against the San Francisco 49ers tied the St. Louis Rams 24-24. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

By taking Flacco out of his comfort zone, it will allow players like OLB Aldon Smith to play to his strengths, by rushing the passer. Aldon, who has been held sack-less in his last five games (including the playoffs) is long overdue for a breakout game. The player that was once on the verge of challenging the single-season NFL sack record, has since been relatively quiet. And that doesn’t bode well for Flacco, as I believe the Super Bowl will quickly become Aldon’s coming out party. In fact, I will go out on a limb and say Aldon gets at least two sacks on Flacco.

November 13, 2011; San Francisco, CA, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) loses the ball against San Francisco 49ers strong safety Donte Whitner (31) and defensive end Justin Smith (94) during the first quarter at Candlestick Park. The play was called a complete pass for Cruz. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Also, by making the Ravens one-dimensional it will ease the pressure of playing the run, focusing only on the pass. And with the 49ers having not one, but two Pro-Bowl safeties in FS Dashon Goldson and SS Donte Whitner, that can’t be good.

The Niners secondary is among the very best in the league and boasts the 4th best pass defense in the NFL, allowing just 200.2 yards per game. Furthermore, they have arguably the next best ball-hawking safety in the game with Goldson, who will be licking his chops to jump a route, as Flacco will be forcing the ball downfield. Look for the 49ers defense to rattle Flacco early, forcing him to make bad decisions while breaking his streak of no interceptions. As I predict Flacco to throw at least three picks next Sunday.

This match-up heavily favors San Francisco, because they are an all-around better football team. Although, Ravens LB Ray Lewis is on the brink of retirement, that emotional high can only carry them so far, making them very vulnerable. The combination of the Ravens inability to run and Flacco’s failure to get the ball deep,will ultimately be there downfall, as the 49ers win a blowout 27-17.

As we all know now, the San Francisco 49ers had their eight game winning streak snapped by the Baltimore Ravens. It was a depressing night at the local sports bar for me and my fellow Niner fans. We could not stop screaming at the top of our lungs whenever QB Alex Smith did not throw the ball away on the way to getting sacked. There were many occasions where Alex could have thrown the ball away and conserve yardage for his team by not taking a sack. Once the game was over, a great deal of the blame for the Niners lost was directed towards Alex. The feel around the sports bar was that Alex could still potentially be the reason why the Niners might fall in the playoffs. But let’s hold on for a minute. Some fans are quick to forget that Alex has lead the Niners to three fourth quarter comeback victories. The victories came against the Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Detroit Lions. Let me add all three victories were on the road. Let’s not be too harsh on Alex for the lost against the Ravens. I am confident that Alex will make the proper adjustments to continue his great year. (more…)

The NFL rule is new to me and does not make much sense. I see their point in not wanting to distract players still enrolled finishing exams, but why not have mini-camps start after schools have had graduation which all usually take place in May. Or why not have them attend while they are studying if it is close to them? They are student-athletes and are accustom to studying and completing assignments while traveling and playing games. Colvin is not a high on the 49ers depth chart so he and the team are not too affected by this rule. But all you Ravens fans out there should be questioning the rule. Joe Flacco, the Ravens’ first-round pick and quarterback of the future, was not allowed to participate because of this rule. What makes it more confusing is Flacco was not enrolled in school this past semester after choosing to focus his attention on preparing for the NFL and could not attend mini-camp until his class graduated in May.

I wonder how many other teams and players development are affected by this rule.