Jan 29, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) addresses the press during media day in preparation for Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

As has been stated ad hominem in the build up to the Super Bowl, the game features to very evenly matched teams in the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers. Both offer a variety of strengths that can be used very opportunistically against the other teams’ weaknesses.

Sitting down with a pile of wings, chips, Rotel, cold beverages and the always-present giant sub, here are the match-ups to look for when explaining everything to your friend whose only NFL experience is watching the big game while waiting for the buzz-worthy commercials and Destiny’s Child reunion.

When the Ravens Have the Ball

Joe Flacco has piles of playoff experience, but this is far and away his best postseason performance. He has yet to throw an interception in the tournament, and on the season he has 15 touchdowns and no interceptions on passes that travel over 20 yards in the air.

What has made him such an efficient passer during the playoffs? New offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell has implemented the balance that most coordinators barely give lip service. He runs to set up the pass, setting up defenses to aggressively attack downhill. Out of three playoff games, the Ravens have attempted more passes than runs only once.

By inserting their mercurial former Pro Bowler, Bryant McKinnie, back in the starting lineup, the Ravens were able to move Michael Oher to the strong side of the formation, where he is a more natural fit. The Ravens’ offensive line has played as well as almost any unit except the 49ers during their postseason run, but they will have to face a stout 49ers defensive front.

Aug 4, 2012; Canton, OH, USA; Fans look at busts at the Pro Football Hall of Fame before the 2012 enshrinement at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Senior Committee named former Chiefs, Oilers, and Lions tackle Curley Culp, and former Packers and Redskins linebacker Dave Robinson as the two senior candidates that make the list of 17 finalists for next February’s vote to be inducted into the Pro football Hall of Fame. Some notable omissions include  former Packers  offensive lineman Jerry Kramer and Bengals QB Ken Anderson.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Jason Witten is unlikely to return in time to play in the Cowboys’ season opener against the Giants. Witten will avoid surgery for his ruptured spleen, and is likely to return in Week 2 vs. the Seahawks.

Recently released DE/DT Jonathan Fanene will undergo surgery on his left knee Thursday.

The Jaguars have yet to slam the door on a Maurice Jones-Drew trade.

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June 30, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitcher Mat Latos (55) follows through on a pitch against the San Francisco Giants in the ninth inning at AT

Going into the midway point of the MLB season, the Cincinnati Reds were winning in spite of pitcher Matt Latos. The Red’s big offseason acquisition had been a massive disappointment, and coming into this week, he was sporting allowing nearly 5 earned runs per game. That’s changed dramatically, as  Latos struck out seven and didn’t walk a batter as he dominated Giants hitters in his second straight complete game to give the Reds a 2-1 victory and improve his record to 7-2.

After giving up 7 earned runs in a loss to the Cleveland Indians last week, Latos has bounced back and pitched back-to-back complete games against the Milwaukee Brewers and the San Francisco Giants while allowing a mere 2 runs.

Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma filed a civil action lawsuit last night in the U.S. District Court in Louisiana in a last ditch effort to have the courts get him reinstated into the NFL as he faces a season long suspension.

Tramon Williams is confident the Packers’ “terrible defense” will improve.

Daunte Culpepper says he thinks he’s done playing.

If an NFL return to L.A. move will happen in 2013, the Chargers are the most likely to go.

49ers DE/OLB Aldon Smith incurred minor stab wounds breaking up a fight early Saturday morning.
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