Baltimore: Matt Birk, Marshal Yanda, Kelechi Osemele, Michael Oher, Bryant McKinnie
San Francisco: Jonathan Goodwin, Alex Boone, Mike Iupati, Anthony Davis, Joe Staley
2013 Pro Bowlers
Baltimore: Marshal Yanda
San Francisco: Mike Iupati, Joe Staley
The battle in the trenches will be very interesting in Super Bowl XLVII. Both of these teams have been known for defense, but both have very good offensive lines. Baltimore's line is a bit more finesse but can still punish you. San Francisco's line is mean and nasty and wants to pound you up and down the field. Each line gave up their fair share of sacks this season. The Ravens were 20th in the league in sacks allowed, while the 49ers were 24th. On the flip side, Baltimore was 11th in rushing and San Francisco was 4th. Both teams had a Guard selected to the Pro Bowl. Marshal Yanda was selected for the Ravens. Mike Iupati was joined by Tackle Joe Staley for the 49ers.
Baltimore's line is solid if not spectacular. The best among the Baltimore big men is Marshal Yanda. He was a key component in Ray Rice surpassing 1,000 yards yet again. Michael Oher has been a productive Tackle on the right side, but it is Flacco's blind side that is questionable. It appears that Bryant McKinnie will get the nod there in the Super Bowl. McKinnie has held up well in the postseason, but will be tasked with trying to stop a ferocious 49er pass rush on the outside. Joe Flacco must have time to stretch the field if the Ravens are going to have any chance at bringing home the Lombardi Trophy.
The 49ers have one of the most physically dominating lines in the league. This unit has played extremely well all season. Mike Iupati and Joe Staley have been two of the best in the business at their respective positions. The way the others have come together this year, have really made the San Francisco offense click. They love to use their physicality to run clock and play ground and pound football. The Ravens defense has been playing much better throughout the postseason, so the 49ers will have to bring their A game. It will be intriguing to see whether the aging Ravens D can handle this stout group of big uglies.
Cohesiveness is amongst the best attributes an offensive line can have as a unit. San Francisco certainly has that. They will need to work together to handle the Ravens D, that is playing inspired football under the leadership of the departing Ray Lewis. I think they can. The 49ers have some beasts on their line. the Ravens line is nice, but they aren't as dominant.
Advantage - San Francisco
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