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This is a tight game. Joe Flacco had looked good so far. His only mistake of the first half was stepping up into the pocket at the wrong time, taking a sack by Ray McDonald. Injuries to Ed Reed and Vernon Davis are the only casualties of the game thus far, but both men are back on the field. LaMichael James lost a fumble. These teams have top flight secondaries, so I wouldn't be surprised if interceptions - like the one Ed Reed grabbed - factor into this game at some point. There's been one brawl during the game, and I think it won't be the last.
The biggest surprise of the first half has been how thoroughly the Ravens' offensive line has dominated the 49ers' normally stout defense. San Francisco has looked terrible in the red zone, and Joe Flacco has picked them apart. He has 10 touchdowns and no interceptions in the post season. Dennis Pitta has been a key target, and Ed Dickson has made two key catches. It looks like the 49ers will have to find a way to contain the Ravens' tight ends, or there hopes of taking home the Lombardi trophy are going to fade.
The fake field goal before half time could come back to haunt Baltimore. I'll give the Ravens credit for a gutsy call, but in this kind of game three points can be the difference between a win or loss. Jacoby Jones made Chris Culliver look like a ninny on a great touchdown pass by Joe Flacco.
The 49ers marched down the field just before half time to close the score to 21 - 6 on a field goal by David Akers.