Ravens edge 49'ers for second Superbowl NEWS
The Baltimore Ravens won their second Superbowl last night in new Orleans, edging the San Francisco 49'ers 34-31 in an exciting, dramatic game that even saw a 30 minute halt to play due to a Superdome power cut.
The AFC Champion Ravens took an early lead and held off the NFC representative 49'ers, winners of five previous Superbowls, who rallied late but were unable to draw closer than 34-31, thanks largely to a fantastic return touchdown from Jacoby Jones, a questionable officiating decision and a decisive defensive stand by the Ravens defence.
Baltimore started the much faster with, eventual Most Valuable Player, quarterback Joe Flacco throwing three first half touchdowns to give them a 21-6 lead at the half. Jacoby's 108 yard touchdown return of the second half kick-off appeared to put the Ravens in an unassailable position 28-6 ahead.
However, the Colin Kapernick led 49'ers are renowned for their battling qualities and they showed, as they had in the NFC Championship win over Atlanta, their ability to come from behind. After the power outage, that caused a 30 minute delay, San Francisco roared back cutting the deficit to 31-29 in the fourth quarter.
After Ravens kicker Justin Tucker kicked a field goal to extend their lead to 34-29 the 49'ers drove to the Baltimore goal-line but were unable to break through Ray Lewis and co., who raised their game at exactly the right moment. The Ravens then took an intentional two-point safety and the subsequent free kick meant that san Francisco didn't have enough time to go back down the field.
There was plenty of emotion at the conclusion of the game. For the first time in NFL history the Superbowl teams were led by head coaching brothers, John for Baltimore and Jim in San Francisco. Their post-game mid-field hand shake and conversation was obviously painful for both brothers.
There were also plenty of tears from Ray Lewis, the Hall of Fame bound inside linebacker for the Ravens. Lewis had stated earlier in the season that he would retire after 17 star-studded years in the NFL and what a way to bow out, with his second Superbowl ring. Lewis will be remembered as one of the greatest players ever to bestride the gridiron.
MVP Flacco was ecstatic with the victory and he will have taken a great deal of personal pleasure in his individual award as for some years debate has raged as to whether he should be classed as an elite quarterback. There's certainly no debate now and he will definitely reap the rewards of his labours with significant endorsement opportunities.
The game was watched by many in the UK as the sport's profile is re-building to the level of the 1980's when it was first screened in this country. The NFL's International Series will expand in the UK next season wit two games at Wembley. On September 29 the Minnesota Vikings and NFL MVP Adrian Peterson will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers and on October 27 the Jacksonville Jaguars will face the Superbowl losers, the San Francisco 49'ers. Jacksonville has signed a contract agreeing to play one regular season game in London for the next four years.
We can't wait and hopefully this is just the next step to a permanent NFL franchise in London.
Watch highlights of Superbowl 47 above.
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