Baltimore: Ray Lewis, Dannell Ellerbe, Terrell Suggs, Paul Kruger
San Francisco: Patrick Willis, Navorro Bowman, Aldon Smith, Ahmad Brooks
2012 Leaders
Baltimore: Paul Kruger 9 sacks
San Francisco: Aldon Smith 19.5 sacks
The linebacking units in Super Bowl XLVII are loaded with game changers. Patrick Willis and Navorro Bowman make up the best inside linebacking duo in the NFL today. On the other side, Ray Lewis is potentially the best inside linebacker in NFL history. Aldon Smith is the best pass rushing linebacker in the NFL today. On the other sideline, Terrell Suggs is one of the best pass rushing linebackers of the past decade. Both of these corps will have something to say about who hoists the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday night.
Ray Lewis is one win away from going out on top. Lewis has been the face of the Ravens franchise since he was drafted in 1996. He was the MVP of Super Bowl XXXV and would love nothing more than to get part ways with his second ring. He will need some help from his teammates. Lewis and Suggs are one of the great inside-out duos to play the game. Both have been hampered by injury throughout the year. It is the two lesser know members of the unit that have lead the way this year. Dannell Ellerbe lead the team in tackles, and Paul Kruger lead the team in sacks.
There is playmaker at every spot across the 49ers linebackers. I will say that Ahmad Brooks is solid, and move on from him. Patrick Willis may have taken over for Ray Lewis as the game's best inside linebacker. His teammate right next to him in the middle isn't too shabby either. Navorro Bowman is also an All-Pro. Together they form an unstoppable tackling machine. As if these two weren't dangerous enough, the most freakish pass rusher in the NFL lines up on the outside. Aldon Smith wreaked havoc all season and finished up the year with 19.5 sacks.
There is overwhelming talent at linebacker in this Super Bowl. Baltimore has a sure fire Hall of Famer and an emotional leader in Lewis. Ellerbe has played well all year, and Suggs and Kruger get to the QB with regularity. But this San Francisco unit is down right stacked. Willis, Bowman, and Aldon Smith will all prove why they are considered such a force together.
Advantage - San Francisco
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