The National Football League kicks off Championship weekend with tons of analyst reviews from the NFL Network which includes "NFL AM", NFL Total Access and NFL "Playbook". But quoting what Rich Eisen, Deion Sanders, or even Jamie Dukes says wouldn't be as fun, so I am going to offer my amateur analysis of the two matchups on Championship Sunday.
San Francisco 49ers vs Atlanta Falcons
Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA
3pm EST FOX
This matchup between the 49ers and the Falcons is a surprising contest on FOX Network. I had originally predicted that the NFC Championship Game would be between the two NFC West powerhouses, i.e. 49ers and Seahawks, but as the game played out I will put my slighted ego aside. This game statistically is heavily in the favor for San Fran with their 3-Dimensional Offensive attack (QB Colin Kaepernick, RB Frank Gore, Wide Receiver Corps) and shutdown defense. Falcons QB Matt Ryan and his crew will have a steep hill to climb in order to validate their season with a ticket to Super Bowl XLVII. I strongly believe that San Fran will have their way with the Atlanta Defense; Matt Ryan (QB), Julio Jones (WR), Michael Turner (RB), and others will find a way to make the game worth watching but when everything is said and done the game will belong to the San Francisco 49ers 42-30.
Baltimore Ravens vs New England Patriots
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
6:30 EST CBS
This game I believe is "America's Game." As everyone already knows this is a rematch from the 2011 Postseason down to the very last detail. I am sure everyone remembers, especially the Ravens fans of RavensNation, the ultimate disappointment at the end of that game. But skipping to my take on the outcome of this AFC Showdown, I believe that the Baltimore Ravens will make Super Bowl XLVII. How you ask?? Well here is my claim: The New England Patriots have had and still sustains the most potent offensive attack in the NFL. From QB Tom Brady, WR Wes Welker, TE Aaron Hernandez, and a resurgence of their running game, the Patriots have the offense any fan would want for their own team. But even though the New England Patriots are the standard for a complete team both offensively and defensively, the Baltimore Ravens bring intensity, passion, a trigger happy QB in Joe Flacco, a hungry defense lead by General Ray Lewis, and an impressive running presence in Ray Rice that will neutralize any offensive and defensive gameplan. Skipping to the chase, the Baltimore Ravens will dictate the tempo of the game; this leaves Tom Brady to be at the mercy of the Ravens D. Wide receiver Anquan Bolden will be the key to Baltimore's aerial arsenal. I am sure the running game will be there and TE Dennis Pitta and WR Torrey Smith will be contributors but WR Bolden will be the key. Ravens win 31-28.
Be sure to tune in to FOX and CBS for your NFL Championship experience.
Some thought this man would be one and done. Many believed this man would give up, but President Barrack Obama has stood tall against all adversity. The President has served this country well and has brought the United States of America back from the brink. As many accolades as I would love to give the 44th President of the United States, I do not believe in everything he has done throughout his presidency. However, I do believe we are better off and have made dynamic strides toward National sustainability.
With the right to say what I wish, I want to personally congratulate President Obama on his second term of Office. It is fitting to have your Inauguration on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Remembrance. I see a lot of King in the President and I am glad the Dream has manifested itself, but it doesn't stop there. As African-Americans we have much to gain in this world but with the strides made so far, National Equality is in our sights. Even though African-Americans have struggled, Americans as a Nation's people need to come together and fight for the rights of all its citizens regardless of race.
