Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaBaltimore Ravens football players line the stage. A Ravens rally was held at the Inner Harbor to see the team before they departed for the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaJohn Harbaugh speaks at a news conference at the Under Armour Performance Center.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisThousands turned out to cheer the Ravens as the team departs for New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaJohn Harbaugh speaks at a news conference at the Under Armour Performance Center.
Lloyd Fox, Baltimore SunRavens quarterback Joe Flacco warms up before practice on Thursday in Owings Mills.
Baltimore Sun photo by Jerry JacksonThe Ravens logo is pictured on Federal Hill.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisThousands turned out to cheer the Ravens as the team departs for New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaBernard Pollard speaks to the media at the Under Armour Performance Center.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaJohn Harbaugh speaks at a news conference at the Under Armour Performance Center.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaA Ravens rally was held at the Inner Harbor to see the team before they departed for the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisChris 'C-Dog' Dressel of Parkville, left, high-gives Ravens Zone manager Kenny Yates, right, after rapping. In the background, Antoinette Forrester laughs.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisThousands turned out to cheer the Ravens as the team departs for New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisDennis Pitta and Joe Flacco arrive at the Ravens rally at the Inner Harbor.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisThousands turned out to cheer the Ravens as the team departs for New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaBaltimore Ravens football player Haloti Ngata enters the rally. A Ravens rally was held at the Inner Harbor to see the team before they departed for the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaRay Lewis, center, and Ray Rice, right, attend a Ravens rally at the Inner Harbor to see the team before they departed for the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Baltimore Sun photo by Jerry JacksonThe Ravens logo is pictured on Federal Hill.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaRay Rice, center, and fellow teammates do the Ray Lewis "dance" as Lewis is called to the stage to speak.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisSteve Slowe holds his Ravens license plate while attending the Ravens rally.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisThousands turned out to cheer the Ravens as the team departs for New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers.
MATT BUTTON | AEGIS STAFFYoung Ravens fan Connor Boyle hands over his No. 99 Kruger jersey to Baltimore Ravens player Paul Kruger for an autograph during Kruger's appearance at the Dark Horse Saloon Friday night.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaA Ravens rally was held at the Inner Harbor to see the team before they departed for the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaBaltimore Ravens football coach John Harbaugh reaches out to the crowd.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaChantelle Dishon of Catonsville poses for a photo in front of the Destiny message presented by state employees at the Inner Harbor.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaJoe Flacco speaks to the media at the Under Armour Performance Center.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisGeorge Frazier of Hanover, PA, was among the thousands that turned out to cheer the Ravens as the team departs for New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers.
Lloyd Fox, Baltimore SunBernard Pollard stretches during practice Thursday in Owings Mills.
Photo by Jon ShamIsabella Massa, of Parkville, writes a letter to Dennis Pitta asking him to her prom while waiting in line to meet him on Friday. Massa was the first in line, and arrived at Modell's nearly five hours before Pitta did.
PHOTO BY MATT BUTTON | AEGIS STAFFBaltimore Ravens Paul Kruger, right, holds the hand of loyal Ravens fan Katy Marchman, of Churchville, as her mom, Kim Marchman, helps her during Kruger's appearance at the Dark Horse Tavern Friday night.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaBernard Pollard speaks to the media at the Under Armour Performance Center.
Lloyd Fox, Baltimore SunRavens linebacker Ray Lewis addresses reporters Thursday in Owings Mills.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaRay Lewis, right, arrives at the rally held at the Inner Harbor to see the team before they departed for the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Baltimore Sun photo by Steve SullivanThe Lombardi Trophy from Super Bowl XXXV arrives for display at Sports Legends Museum. The Ravens are loaning the trophy to the museum through this weekend.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaMatt Birk speaks to the media at the Under Armour Performance Center.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaThe Ravens' James Ihedigbo arrives at the rally held at the Inner Harbor to see the team before they departed for the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisFormer Raven Matt Stover addresses the crowd that turned out for the Ravens before the team departs for New Orleans.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaJoe Flacco speaks to the media at the Under Armour Performance Center.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisThousands turned out to cheer the Ravens as the team departs for New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaJoe Flacco speaks to the media at the Under Armour Performance Center.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaJohn Harbaugh speaks at a news conference at the Under Armour Performance Center.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisTerrell Suggs has his tie straightened before taking the stage.
Lloyd Fox, Baltimore SunRavens quarterback Joe Flacco hands off to Ray Rice during the first practice of the week leading up to the Super Bowl.
Photo by Jon ShamEunice Vargas, center, of Parkville, looks through a Super Bowl XLVII magazine Friday, Jan. 25, 2012 at Modell's Sporting Goods store with her four children, from the left, Juan, 3, Gloria, 6, Valery, 7 and Meredith, 9.
MATT BUTTON | AEGIS STAFFBaltimore Ravens player Paul Kruger autographs a Super Bowl helmet during his appearance at the Dark Horse Saloon in Bel Air Friday night.
MATT BUTTON | AEGIS STAFFRavens fan Terry Hutchins, of Aberdeen, proudly shows her autographed Ravens football, as she waits in line to add Paul Kruger's autograph during the player's appearance at the Dark Horse Saloon in Bel Air Friday night.
Baltimore Sun photo by Kim HairstonNatalie Morales, a "Today Show" anchor, waves to Ravens fans gathered in the Inner Harbor.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisMary Cupo of Parkville, left, and Mary Sue Bride of Glen Arm, right, stock up on Ravens merchandise at the Ravens Zone.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaAlonna Pollard, daughter of Ravens safety Bernard Pollard, accompanied her father to media availability at the Under Armour Performance Center.
Photo by Jon ShamAmanda Springfield of Parkville looks at infant-sized Ravens apparell with her 9-month-old nephew Dylan Springfield, also of Parkville, while they wait for Dennis Pitta to arrive at the store to sign autographs.
Baltimore Sun photo by Kim HairstonConquer and Rise, the Ravens' mascots, are among guests that appeared on segments of the "Today Show" at the Inner Harbor.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisThousands turned out to cheer the Ravens as the team departs for New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers.
MATT BUTTON | AEGIS STAFFBaltimore Ravens player Paul Kruger signs a football for a fan during his appearance at the Dark Horse Saloon in Bel Air Friday night.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaBaltimore Ravens player Dannell Ellerbe turns his phone camera to the crowd.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisThousands turned out for a Ravens rally held at the Inner Harbor to see the team before they departed for the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Lloyd Fox, Baltimore SunRavens safety Ed Reed has a little fun before practice on Thursday in Owings Mills.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisThousands turned out to cheer the Ravens as the team departs for New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaMichelle Dobbs from Towson took "Stella", her Jack Russell, to the event. A Ravens rally was held at the Inner Harbor to see the team before they departed for the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Photo by Jon ShamA flyer advertising Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta's visit to Modell's Sporting Goods store in Parkville greets shoppers and fans as they enter.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaJohn Harbaugh speaks at a news conference at the Under Armour Performance Center.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaJoe Flacco speaks to the media at the Under Armour Performance Center.
Baltimore Sun photo by Kim HairstonLeft to right, Mario Armstrong, "Today Show" anchor Natalie Morales, WBAL-TV meteorologist Ava Marie, and Ravens cheerleaders rehearse Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis' squirrel dance.
Photo by Jon ShamDebbie Bruno, left, of Timonium, checks out with Kamirra Morris at Modell's Friday with two large shopping bags stuffed with Ravens apparell.
Lloyd Fox, Baltimore SunCoach John Harbaugh talks with Jacoby Jones during practice Thursday in Owings Mills.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaRavens fans cheer at a rally at the Inner Harbor to see the team before they departed for the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaA Ravens rally was held at the Inner Harbor to see the team before they departed for the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaA Ravens cheerleader cheers on her team at a rally which was held at the Inner Harbor to send off the team to the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaMatt Birk speaks to the media at the Under Armour Performance Center.
Lloyd Fox, Baltimore SunRavens tight end Dennis Pitta waits around during practice Thursday in Owings Mills.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisDebbie Ridgely drove to the Ravens Zone from Frederick with her two daughters, Delanie, left, and Ashley, right.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaBaltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh, left, and Ozzie Newsome, right, greet the crowd.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaRavens coach John Harbaugh cheers at the Ravens rally which was held at the Inner Harbor to see the team before they departed for the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisCharles Day of Dundalk dances at the rally for the Ravens on Monday.
Baltimore Sun photo by Kim HairstonNatalie Morales, a "Today Show" anchor, holds 3-month-old Alex Coughlan, of Federal Hill, dressed in a Ray Rice jersey.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaBaltimore Ravens football player Terrell Suggs, center, takes video of the crowd. A Ravens rally was held at the Inner Harbor to see the team before they departed for the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisThousands turned out to cheer the Ravens as the team departs for New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisThousands turned out to cheer the Ravens as the team departs for New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaMayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, and Gov. Martin O'Malley cheer with the crowd. Ravens rally was held at the Inner Harbor to see the team before they departed for the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Baltimore Sun photo by Jerry JacksonThe Ravens logo is pictured on Federal Hill.
Baltimore Sun photo by Kim HairstonMike Dais, left, of Baltimore, and Natalie Morales, a "Today Show" anchor, rehearse Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis' dance during a Ravens rally at the Inner Harbor.
Photo by Jon ShamGavin Kotchey, 9, of Parkville, watches Dennis Pitta sign autographs from behind the velvet rope.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisBaltimore Ravens football players line the stage during a rally held at the Inner Harbor.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaJohn Harbaugh speaks at a news conference at the Under Armour Performance Center.
Lloyd Fox, Baltimore SunRavens fullback Vonta Leach prepares to start practice on Thursday in Owings Mills.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisThousands turned out to cheer the Ravens as the team departs for New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaA young ravens fan show support for his team at the Ravens rally which was held at the Inner Harbor to see the team before they departed for the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaBernard Pollard speaks to the media at the Under Armour Performance Center.
MATT BUTTON | AEGIS STAFFBaltimore Ravens player Paul Kruger speaks with a fan during Kruger's appearance at the Dark Horse Saloon in Bel Air Friday night.
Baltimore Sun photo by Kim HairstonJamie Arnold of Profiles public relations and Chef Jason Dyke from J Paul's move a Charm City Cakes creation to a display for the "Today Show" segment.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaFans Joy and Shawn Thomas hold up a picture of Ray Lewis. A Ravens rally was held at the Inner Harbor to see the team before they departed for the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisLatonya Hines, in front at left. Thousands turned out to cheer the Ravens as the team departs for New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaRay Lewis speaks to the crowd from the podium as Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Gov. Martin O'Malley applaud him.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisBaltimore mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Maryland governor Martin O'Malley cheer on the Ravens at the Inner Harbor rally.
Baltimore Sun photo by Amy DavisThousands turned out to cheer the Ravens as the team departs for New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaA Ravens cheerleader does a flip at a Ravens rally which was held at the Inner Harbor to send off the team to the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina PernaThe Ravens' Jimmy Smith arrives at the rally held at the Inner Harbor to see the team before they departed for the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina Perna
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Baltimore Ravens football players line the stage. A Ravens rally was held at the Inner Harbor to see the team before they departed for the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
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By Cam Inman | cinman@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
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SANTA CLARA — Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio credited “great quarterbacks, great receivers” for opponents’ ability to rack up yards against the 49ers in the playoffs.
If Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens’ receivers can do the same against the 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII, they’ll surely be considered great, too.
Fangio has been a fan of Flacco since serving as a Ravens assistant during Flacco’s first two seasons.
“I remember his first (offseason training) sessions as a rookie, I said to (coach) John Harbaugh: ‘You have your horse to ride for 10 years, at least.’ I felt he could be a great quarterback in the league and I still feel that way.