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49ers vs. Ravens: 5 matchups to watch in potential Super Bowl preview

By Peter Panacy

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: The Baltimore Ravens center the ball at the line of scrimmage on a point after attempt against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Ravens won 34-31. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: The Baltimore Ravens center the ball at the line of scrimmage on a point after attempt against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Ravens won 34-31. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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Mark Ingram Ravens
Mark Ingram #21 of the Baltimore Ravens (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

No. 2: 49ers Run Defense vs. Mark Ingram II

San Francisco’s switch to a wide-9 defensive alignment has its advantages, which has been reflected in the team’s ability to excel in the pass-rush department.

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But it’s come at the expense of defending against the run, which isn’t always important in today’s pass-happy NFL. Yet against a team like the Ravens, who own both the No. 1 scoring and No. 1 rushing offenses in the league through 12 weeks, one can see why this could be a problem for defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and Co.

Specifically, veteran Ravens running back Mark Ingram is a player to keep an eye on here. Ingram is coming off a 15-rush, 111-yard rushing performance against the Rams with a touchdown. Additionally, Ingram added a touchdown catch through the air.

On the year, Baltimore’s top running back is averaging a career-high 5.2 yards per carry, which is quite the mismatch against a 49ers defense allowing opposing rushers an average of 4.7 yards per attempt, which ranks 27th best.

So, while the vast majority of defensive focus for the Niners will be the topic of the next slide, Ingram’s prowess on the field this Sunday is something for which San Francisco has to prepare.