Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers free safety Dashon Goldson (38) and Ray McDonald (91)during the second quarter in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons have a tough question to face. Should they release Michael Turner? The 31 year old Turner has a lot of wear and tear on him. He has over 1,600 carries in his career, and we all know the career changing age is 30. Running backs especially lose their burst and stamina at 30. With two younger running backs and a 6.9 million dollar contract, should the Falcons release Turner?

The simple answer is yes. Look at theSan Franciscogame. Turner looked very slow against a young and fast defense. If you took out his 10 yard run, he only had 20 yards on 7 attempts. Those numbers are a joke. On those 7 attempts, he only rushed for 2.5 yards per attempt. I am 100% sure that Jacquizz could have done better and he did. He had 32 yards on 10 attempts, with a 9 yard run to go along with that. Take away the 9 yard run, he had 2.6 yards per attempt.

The contract is not good. Turner is looking at receiving 6.9 million dollars this season. With his production being matched by Snelling and Rodgers, this contract doesn’t make sense. Combined, Rodgers and Snelling will only have to be paid $1,405,000. This is a fraction on Turner’s bulky contract. We can put this money toward places of more need, like resigning Brent Grimes.

What would it take for the Falcons to keep Turner? It seems like the only way that Turner stays is if he restructures his contract. Even if he is willing to restructure, I don’t think it is worth resigning him. We will have to waste attempts by giving a 31 year old man the ball 10-15 times per game. I would much rather see a rookie back come in and get those carries so we can develop him into a feature back.

Feb 1, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; General view of the Super Bowl XLVI roman numerals on a barge at Woldenberg Park in advance of Super Bowl XLVII between the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Super Bowl is a magical week filled with excitement, humor, false-accusations, retirements, inspiration, head-coaching brothers, and much more. The over-analyzed and stretched out event that the Super Bowl has become, many people usually only enjoy the Sunday events. There is one thing that I always enjoy, and that is the betting lines.

The “Mood Setter”

The reason that this one is called the “Mood Setter” is because it starts you off immediately with a 50-50 shot. This can really put you in a good mood, or in a really bad mood. The line is Tails (or Heads) -102. I really like this prop because you can practice it. All you have to do is flip a coin 100 times and record the data. Also, starting off well will make your party that much better.

Verdict: Tails -102

The “Defensive Believer”

A part of me still wishes that defense can indeed win championships, but I know deep down that the game isn’t like that anymore. With that being said, this line is a magnificent take. Will either team score in the first 6 minutes? This one is genius. If you’re already in a bad mood, this one can completely ruin your night. Although, this one can bounce you back also.

Verdict: No -120

The “Challenger”

The biggest story line coming into the game is the fact that two brothers are coaching against each other. Both of them are intense and very intelligent coaches. To compliment this huge storyline, I had to find a bet that is about the coaches. Team to use coach’s challenge first. This one is easy. I believe one of the two is going to be fired up more than the other one, and will be ready to throw that challenge flag without hesitation.

Verdict: 49ers -105

The “Nobody believes in Joe Flacco”

Flacco is coming into this game with 8 playoff wins. Matt Ryan has a grand total of one playoff win. This postseason, Flacco has been arguably the best quarterback. He has had 853 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. That seems elite to me. The bet is Will The Ravens Score a Touchdown in the 1st Quarter. The Flacco bandwagon is hot, and he is hot as well.

Verdict: Yes +120

The “MVP”

The Most Valuable Player award usually doesn’t go to anyone but the QB. This year, the MVP of the Super Bowl won’t be a quarter back, it won’t be a defensive player, and it won’t be a running back. The MVP will be a tight end. Both Vernon Davis and Dennis Pitta are favorite targets of their respective quarterbacks, and they both have great hands.

Verdict: Dennis Pitta +4500 or Vernon Davis +1500

The “Prediction”

This Super Bowl is set out to be a great one. There are so many great storylines, and so much build-up. While I would have loved to see the Falcons in this game, this is my second choice. The last game for Ray Lewis will be emotional for him and the Ravens. The Ravens have the momentum, and the “Nobody believes in us” sense to them. The Ravens seem like a team of destiny.

Verdict: Ravens +3.5

Final Score: Ravens-24, 49ers-21 

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) injures his shoulder during the fourth quarter in the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Georgia Dome. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

I am going to say it, whether people like it or not. The Falcons did not deserve to win that game. There, I said it.

Whether they deserved to win or not, they put up a hell of a fight. They were 4.5 point underdogs. (I, personally, thought the line was horrific and embarrassing for the city of Atlanta. If you wish to see me rampage about that, click here, and it will take you to my last article on the prediction for the NFC Championship game). While they put up a fight, a fight doesn’t get you into the Super Bowl. The only thing that gets you into the Super Bowl is winning, which they failed to do.

So who is at fault for this loss?

Many people are going to point the finger at Matt Ryan. How can you do that? Sure, he had two turnovers. Both of which were his fault. Every one is human, and I did not expect a flawless game going against that San Francisco defense. He actually had a great game in my opinion. He was only 4 yards short of 400 yards passing on the day, and he connected for three touchdowns. Oh, he also had one of the best throws he has ever thrown. Add on top of that that he led the team down field on the final drive, sprained his ACL in his left shoulder, and toughed it out and played like a man.

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) makes a touchdown catch against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tarell Brown (25) during the second quarter of the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

If it wasn’t Ryan, you must say it was the defense. Yet again, I disagree. I appreciate that they only let up 28 points. The 49ers could have easily scored 42 points. They surprisingly satisfied my expectations. That defense somehow helped out Matt Ryan by not allowing any points off of his two turnovers. I am proud of our defense this weekend.

What is left? How about the run game?

A stat that says it all is the total amount of rushing yards that the running game had. 81 yards. I will let that sink in. Between Matt Ryan, Jacquizz Rodgers, Michael Turner, and Jason Snelling, the team totaled 81 yards. That is down right pathetic. How can you expect Matt Ryan to do anything when all the 49ers had to focus on was the pass. I know I would not have been concerned with the run game if I were the 49ers.

But the past is now the past. I hope that next year I will be doing a wrap up article on the NFC Championship, but it is looking to see how they won the game. Also, at least we don’t have Mark Sanchez…