Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Before the start of Super Bowl XLVII, the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens will each have a player do their signature pregame dance to pump up the players before the biggest game of their careers. On Baltimore’s side is Ray Lewis and in San Francisco’s corner is Isaac Sopoaga.

Most NFL fans know about Lewis’ pregame dance, or has he calls it the “squirrel.” But everyone one else, except the 49ers Faithful, likely doesn’t know about Sopoaga’s dance called “The Haka.”

Much of the attention this week has been on Lewis’ retirement and whether or not he used deer antler spray to aid in his recovery from injury earlier this season. Regardless of whether he took it or not, he will play and we will see his squirrel dance one last time on Sunday. Here is Lewis explaining the origin of the dance:

It started one time, they got ready to introduce the defense, and they were going to introduce us together. This guy in my hometown, Kirby Lee, would always do this dance, and the dance was called the ‘squirrel’, and I told him I was gonna do that dance one day, and he was like, ‘You’re not gonna do it,’ and I was like, ‘I’m gonna do it.’ So one day they were introducing the defense, and I came out and did it and, of course, the crowd went crazy. After that they were like, ‘We need to see the dance again.’ So after that it just kept going. Then I started adding music to it and movie clips to it. It was a good time.

I might be a little biased here, but I say good riddance to Lewis’ dance. I am glad I will never have to witness it ever again on the field. Plus, Lewis has someone place clumps of grass on the field before he is introduced so he can pick it up, rub it all over himself and declare “this is my house!” Using a prop in your pregame dance, really? Sopoaga doesn’t need them.

Sopoaga’s pregame dance is more pure and it shows off his leadership, energy and passion. His dance is called “The Haka” and he learned it as part of his heritage and growing up in Pago Pago, American Samoa. But Sopoaga’s dance is just one example of how he helps his team on the field. As a nose tackle on defense he is tasked with the hardest job, taking on two 300-plus pound offensive linemen so other defenders can stop the run and put pressure on the quarterback.

Both Lewis and Sopoaga are vital to their defenses success on Sunday. But which player has the better pregame dance? I think I know who Niner and Raven fans will pick.

Jan 29, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Ray Lewis is interviewed during media day in preparation for Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The talk of the town on day two of media day, was centered around Baltimore Ravens inspirational leader Ray Lewis. The player who is the face of the franchise, responded to an earlier report by SI, saying Lewis had used deer-antler velvet extract to expedite his triceps injury. The spray contains IGF-1, a banned substance by the NFL.

The report also indicates that Lewis had requested products from SWATS (Sports With Alternatives To Steroids). Mitch Ross, the owner of S.W.A.T.S, allegedly assisted Lewis during his rehab. Furthermore, Ross stated he provided the products free of charge, on the condition that Lewis would tell the truth, when he returned to the field.

Lewis denied the report cold-heartedly saying:

Two years ago that was the same report, I wouldn’t give that report or him any of my press. He’s not worthy of that. Next question.

Whether you believe Ray Lewis or not, you can’t help but wonder how this will impact his team on Sunday, and more importantly the legacy he will leave behind.

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.