As one of the most anticipated games of the year for the San Francisco 49ers, the “Harbowl” was a game between the Harbaugh brothers. Older brother John Harbaugh was coaching his Baltimore Ravens while Jim Harbaugh was trying to keep the Niners 8 game winning streak alive. This game was certainly a big game for both teams because they must secure first place in their respective divisions. The Baltimore Ravens were 8-3 before the game and certainly came into this game looking to end the San Francisco winning streak. Many 49ers fans bought 49ers tickets to this game, in the hope that their winning streak would continue.
Ray Lewis did not suit up for this game. Many people thought that without the Raven’s star player, the 49ers would have no problems with winning this game. A lot of people that purchased 49ers tickets were surprised when Alex Smith was having a hard time against the Ravens front line. With a franchise record of nine sacks, Alex Smith was definitely having a tough time all night. The Raven’s front line took over the game and made it a long night for Jim Harbaugh and the Niners. Lewis will remain out of commission for second week in a row.
Smith only completed 12 of his 24 passes and only drove the Niners for 140 yards with an interception. For the first time this season, the Niners did not score a touchdown during the whole game. Smith was never able to get any rhythm during the game and struggled from beginning to end. Lets hope that Smith can battle back and really put on a good show for the fans that bought 49ers tickets to this game. The Ravens front line sacked Smith 4 times in the first half and intercepted a pass to take the lead 6-3.
The Ravens broke a 6-6 tie with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Dennis PItta from Joe Flacco. This was all the Ravens needed as the Niners were held to just 6 points all game.
John and Jim have been battling each other in plenty of games growing up but this was the first time that they were both featured on national TV. John however beat out his younger brother Jim but stated that he is very proud of what Jim has been able to do for the San Francisco 49ers and how he says that they are a very tough team to beat.
The last 3 points of the game came from Billy Cundiff who ended the game with his third field goal, a 39-yarder with 4:16 left in the game. The game was essentially just focused on defense and how both teams struggled to score. Flacco did not do much better than Smith as he went 15 for 23 and only threw for 161 yards while Ray Rice ran for 59 yards on 21 carries.
The 49ers were only able to score two times in the game and once was in the third quarter when they had a 13-play drive ate up almost 8 minutes of the clock. It ended with a 52 yard field goal by David Akers to the game at 6-6. The highlight play was completed by Michael Crabtree after he caught a third-and-17 pass from Smith.
The Niners are still in good position to have home field advantage in the playoffs and the Ravens are really looking to separate themselves in the AFC North. The Niners need to move on and continue their quest back into the playoffs as they are still in good position at 9-2. Many fans continue to believe that this team will consistently play well. They encourage others to purchase 49ers tickets so that they can join them in supporting their team.
