Three Hits:
+ Jacoby Jones’ 108 yard return. A fantastic moment which more or less should have put the game out of reach. In a season where a vast majority of kickoffs have resulted in boring touchbacks, it was a breath of fresh air to see Jones bring the ball out near the back of the end zone. The score made it 28-6 at the time and as you know, wasn’t enough.
++ Baltimore’s intentional safety. With 11 seconds on the clock, the score 34-29 and in punt formation, the Ravens snapped the ball to punter Sam Koch. Instead of kicking, he ran around the back of the end zone and eventually out of bounds to take valuable time off the clock. The result was a safety, the score became 34-31 and there were only four seconds remaining.
Ravens punter Sam Koch kills the clock by taking an intentional safety.
There were several blatant holds that probably should have been called against the Ravens, but those would have been completely irrelevant had they been flagged because the result of an offensive penalty in the end zone is of course a safety. What an intelligent play call by Baltimore.
+++ Making a game of it. While San Francisco started extremely slow, possibly the understatement of the season, they fought back midway through the third quarter and were in position to tie late. The foundation the Niners have built is very strong and I fully expect another NFC Championship at least once over the next three years.
Three Misses:
- Beyonce’s half time performance. Her set is generally getting mixed to positive reviews based on a quick internet search. The Super Bowl is the most watched television program annually and it is not even close. While she is very easy on the eyes, I can’t help but feel she was underdressed (save the jokes here). The message being sent based on wardrobe is probably not the best.
It was a nice touch to reunite Beyonce with Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, former mates of the group Destiny’s Child. They put out a couple short versions of songs and even helped Beyonce with her hits “Single Ladies” and “Crazy in Love”.
Fact is though, I think it is time for the half time show to feature something other than mainstream music. There are a plethora of options. How about a variety show, comedian, a world record attempt…Mix it up a bit. Think about what the first thing that happens when the half time entertainment is announced. Everyone usually cringes and wonders why they chose [insert singer/band here].
- – San Francisco’s first half. This was the definition of uninspired football. While Joe Flacco and company were making big offensive plays, the 49ers managed just six points through 30 minutes. LaMichael James’ fumble contributed to the massive deflation of the team and they would never fully recover until…J
- – -The blackout. A 34 minute delay occurred midway through the 3rd quarter when a power failure at the Superdome killed most of the lights. This seemed to spark the 49ers and they stormed back to pull within two of the Ravens. It also resulted in a even later than usual night for many viewers who may have had to get up early for work. Certainly compelling television, but not something I wanted to wait out.
