It would have the most crossover appeal since Peyton and Eli Manning lined up against one another and has the potential to be far more competitive. It also could be as offensively starved as the BCS national championship. It may be a tad early to suggest the possibility of a coaching matchup for the ages should Jim Harbaugh’s San Francisco 49ers and John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens both reach Super Bowl XLVI, but the odds have increased after the NFL divisional playoffs.
But a Feb. 5 showdown in what would be their second meeting in a little more than two months would be vindication of ball control and overpowering defense in an age of record-breaking offense.
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The Harbaughs’ first meeting back in November, the first time in NFL history that brothers had met as opposing head coaches, was a family affair perfectly suited as a Thanksgiving finale. It was also gruesome, with the Ravens recording a record nine sacks against 49ers quarterback Alex Smith. Baltimore amassed just 253 yards itself and had just a single touchdown in the 16-6 home victory.
The 49ers have improved since, putting up 36 points to prevail over New Orleans on Saturday in their first playoff game in nine years, but Drew Brees’ first postseason interceptions in five years and San Francisco’s dominant first quarter ensured there would be no third consecutive 600-plus yard showing from the Saints.
The Ravens won Sunday in spite of the Baltimore offense. They forced four turnovers to put Houston away, including fourth-quarter interceptions by Lardarius Webb and Ed Reed.
Baltimore will have to do the same against New England quarterback Tom Brady, who’s vying for the position of best ever in the NFL postseason.
The 49ers and Ravens are both better without the ball. Baltimore was third defensively in the regular season (288.9 yards per game) and San Francisco was fourth (308.2) — and their far less explosive offenses (Baltimore was 15th, San Francisco 26th) mean Alabama and LSU’s combined one touchdown in two games might be in play.
But a family reunion in neutral Indianapolis might give Jack and Jackie Harbaugh the chance to say once and for all, “Who’s got it better than us? Noooo-body.”
– Craig Stouffer
