The Super Bowl is the biggest and most publicized event in all of sports.
The media coverage leading up to the game is unlike anything else, as reporters from across the globe will be looking for any and all stories to tell relating to the matchup.
Here are 10 storylines that are certain to get some big-time media attention:
1. Joe Flacco Show
The way Flacco has performed this postseason has erased most of the questions about whether he's an elite NFL quarterback. Flacco's play has earned him a spot on Sports Illustrated's cover in back-to-back weeks, and has put him at the forefront of the media frenzy. The focus on the Ravens signal caller will only continue to increase over the next two weeks.
2. Ray Lewis' Retirement
The Ravens' leader couldn't have picked a better way to finish his career. He'll have the chance to win his second Super Bowl and is in the rare position of possibly ending a Hall of Fame career on top of the game.
3. Big Moves For Both Teams
The Ravens changed offensive coordinators by replacing Cam Cameron with Jim Caldwell when they had a 9-4 record and just three games left in the regular season. The 49ers made Colin Kaepernick the starting quarterback in place of Alex Smith midway through the season. At the time of the move, Smith had a 20-6-1 record over the last two seasons as the 49ers' starter. Both moves were criticized by some, but they both had a key part in getting their teams to the Super Bowl.
4. Defense, Defense, Defense
Today's NFL is dominated by offenses. In an era of the pass-heavy offenses where quarterbacks are key, the Ravens and 49ers are two teams that still have strong defenses. The 49ers had one of the best defenses during the regular season and the Ravens defense has turned it up since it got healthy for the playoffs. It could be a throwback kind of game between these two hard-hitting defenses.
5. Suggs in the Spotlight
Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs knows how to ham it up for the cameras, and he'll certainly command plenty of attention once the Ravens get to New Orleans. Suggs knows how to work a crowd and isn't afraid to speak his mind, so don't be surprised if he makes some brash comments for the international press on media day.
6. The Kickers
Both teams have interesting kicker stories, but for very different reasons. Ravens went with rookie Justin Tucker this season, and he has been lights out throughout the year. Tucker has never been fazed by the big stage, and he'll look to keep that going into New Orleans. For the 49ers, kicker David Akers led the NFL in missed field goals and shanked another in last week's NFC championship. The 49ers could make a move at kicker before the Super Bowl, or they may opt to go with the inconsistent veteran.
7. Randy Moss Back In Spotlight
There has probably never been a No. 3 wide receiver who will garner as much attention as Moss during this Super Bowl run, as the unpredictable future Hall of Famer is back in the spotlight for perhaps his final game. He's flown under the radar for most of the season, but Moss will still drive headlines.
8. Patrick Willis the Next Lewis
Of all the middle linebackers in the game today, Lewis has said Willis most reminds him of himself. Willis plays with a similar kind of tenacity to Lewis and is the emotional leader of a top-flight 49ers defense. With Lewis riding off into the sunset, Willis could take over the title as the NFL's most-feared middle linebacker.
9. Changing of the Guard
This year will feature two teams who both haven't been in the Super Bowl for more than a decade. While recent Super Bowls have been dominated by the Patriots, Steelers and Giants, this year will feature two new teams. The Ravens and 49ers both appear to be teams on the rise, and this year's Super Bowl could be the first of many premier showdowns between the two squads.
10. The Harbaugh Brothers
Have you heard about this yet?
