The last time two teams took the field on enemy turf and won in the conference championship was 1997. So with the feat being completed for the first time in 16 years, it was fitting that some history was made in the process.
On championship Sunday, Jan. 20, the San Francisco 49ers, coached by Jim Harbaugh, defeated the top-seeded Atlanta Falcons, 28-24, to advance to the Super Bowl. Just a few hours later, Jim’s brother, John, coached the Baltimore Ravens to a 28-13 victory over the defending AFC champions the New England Patriots.
The stage is set for Super Bowl XLVII. The 49ers and Ravens will play for the Lombardi Trophy in New Orleans on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 3, at 6:30 p.m.
It is the first time in NFL history that two brothers will coach against one another in football’s biggest game.
Rookie quarterback Colin Kaepernick leads the 49ers in what will be his 10th career start. Despite his lack of experience, he has been among the best quarterbacks in the game in recent weeks. He set the NFL rushing record by a quarterback in a game with 181 against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Playoffs. Under Kaepernick, the 49ers are 5-2.
Additionally, there are many targets for the rookie quarterback on offense. Running back Frank Gore is among the elite rushers in the game and tight end Vernon Davis is always a threat in the air.
Defensively, linebacker Patrick Willis leads the Niners. Overall, the 49ers defense ranks fourth in the NFL.
The Ravens’ offense starts with quarterback Joe Flacco. The Audabon, N.J. native and University of Delaware star defeated all-pro quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Tom Brady en route to the big game.
In addition to Flacco, running back Ray Rice is a double threat in the backfield while Torrey Smith and Jacoby Jones are both dangerous targets for Flacco.
Defensively, two wily veterans in the twilight of their careers lead the Ravens. Ray Lewis’ final game will be Super Bowl XLVII. He announced that decision before the playoffs began. But since then, the goal for the Ravens has been about winning Lewis one more ring.
Additionally, Ed Reed is still a threat in the secondary. The nine-time Pro Bowl free safety continues to be one of the defensive captains leading one of the league’s top defenses during the playoffs.
The Ravens are clearly this year’s version of destiny. After missing a game-tying field goal in last season’s AFC title game – also against New England – the Ravens have found redemption.
But the Niners also gained redemption on a near miss from last season. A muffed punt set up the game-winning field goal last year’s Super Bowl champion, the New York Giants.
So after falling just short of the biggest football game and sporting event in America just a year ago, the two teams meet in the 47th battle for the Lombardi Trophy.