Baltimore: Ray Rice, Bernard Pierce, Vonta Leach
San Francisco: Frank Gore, LaMichael James, Anthony Dixon
2012 Stats
Ray Rice 1,143 yds, 4.4 avg, 9 TD
Frank Gore 1,214 yds, 4.7 avg, 8 TD
Both of these teams are capable of controlling a game with their running attack. It is the strength of the San Francisco offense. The 49ers possess an aggressive offensive line, and a RB with finesse and power to run through the holes. Frank Gore can do a little bit of everything. He is terrific between the tackles and can get to the outside with his speed. He's even a good option in the passing game coming out of the backfield. Gore is backed up by LaMichael James. James is a burner. He didn't get many touches during the regular season, but his role has been expanded in the postseason. On the other sideline, Baltimore has one of the game's best all-around backs. Ray Rice is a dynamic runner and a great pass catcher for Joe Flacco. Former OC, Cam Cameron, did not use him as often as he should have. It contributed to Cameron being fired, and new OC, Jim Caldwell, has increased Rice's role and his production. When Rice needs a blow, Bernard Pierce enters the game. The rookie from Temple picked up over 500 yards this season in a secondary role.
Baltimore's running game has not been as prominent in their offensive gameplans as in year's past. Some of this can be attributed to Baltimore's ability to get the ball down field with the strong-armed Flacco, and All-Pro caliber receivers in Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin. Some of it can also be attributed to their inexplicable lack of calls to get Ray Rice involved. Rice is widely considered one of the league's best RBs. He reached over 1,000 yards for the fourth consecutive season. The Ravens aren't afraid to get Bernard Pierce involved either. Pierce actually lead the Ravens in rushing in their AFC Championship win over New England. They will need to make sure they don't abandon the run against San Francisco. A consistent rushing attack could open up playaction opportunities for Flacco to connect deep with one of his explosive receivers.
The heart and soul of the San Francisco offense is their running game. Colin Kaepernick's ability to produce large chunks of yardage from the QB position has gotten most of the attention. But the 49er offense starts with Frank Gore. He is the franchise's all-time leading rusher, and will go down as one of the 49er greats with a big performance in Super Bowl XLVII. He has adjusted to the pistol offense lead by Kaepernick and could breakout against Baltimore. His backup, LaMichael James, is a perfect fit for the pistol and has received more playing time in recent weeks. He is capable of breaking a long run at any time. The 49ers will look to control the ball with their ground game, and win the time of possession.
The team that rushes the ball more effectively, will most likely be in good shape to win the Super Bowl. This is certainly in San Francisco's gameplan. I'm not so sure that it will be in Baltimore's. I have tons of respect for Ray Rice and his playmaking ability. The Ravens tend to forget that he is one the league's best at times though. The 49ers rarely forget about Gore. The 49ers consistency in the running game is what gives them the edge here.
Advantage - San Francisco
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