How to defend the Ravens? Don't ask here
January, 31, 2013
Jan 31
11:00
AM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
Want to learn how not to play defense in crucial situations against the Baltimore Ravens?
Just watch tape of the AFC West.
According to U-T San Diego, the San Francisco 49ers have watched and learned from the Chargers’ awful defense on the famous Ray Rice fourth-and-29 first-down conversion that turned what looked like a sure San Diego win into a Baltimore overtime victory. The last-gasp play came late in regulation Nov. 25.
I’m sure that, as they prepare to face the Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII on Sunday, the 49ers have also watched Rahim Moore's horrendous defense in the Broncos' meeting with the Ravens in the divisional playoffs. The 70-yard bomb from Joe Flacco to Jacoby Jones over Moore tied the game late in regulation and set up the Ravens’ win in double overtime.
I witnessed both gaffes in person. And, no, I still can’t believe either happened. But the truth is, if the Ravens win the Super Bowl, they can thank the two colossal AFC West misplays for helping them get there.
Super Bowl XLVII
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According to U-T San Diego, the San Francisco 49ers have watched and learned from the Chargers’ awful defense on the famous Ray Rice fourth-and-29 first-down conversion that turned what looked like a sure San Diego win into a Baltimore overtime victory. The last-gasp play came late in regulation Nov. 25.
I’m sure that, as they prepare to face the Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII on Sunday, the 49ers have also watched Rahim Moore's horrendous defense in the Broncos' meeting with the Ravens in the divisional playoffs. The 70-yard bomb from Joe Flacco to Jacoby Jones over Moore tied the game late in regulation and set up the Ravens’ win in double overtime.
I witnessed both gaffes in person. And, no, I still can’t believe either happened. But the truth is, if the Ravens win the Super Bowl, they can thank the two colossal AFC West misplays for helping them get there.
Bill Williamson | email
NFL- ESPN AFC West Blogger
- Spent four seasons covering the Broncos for the Denver Post
- Previously covered Vikings, Packers, Seahawks
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Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
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