San Francisco 49ers vs. Baltimore Ravens: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

The San Francisco 49ers face a multitude of new tests as they travel into Baltimore on a short week to play the No. 1 seed in the AFC, the Baltimore Ravens. This, as they say, is where the rubber meets the road.

Test of Resolve

Will the 49ers be able to overcome the lack of sustainable energy that their bodies and minds are sure to feel? Not only is this game on a Thursday night, but the team is also traveling across three time zones for the fifth time this season. As if a typical NFL season wasn't enough to push men to their limits.

A victory on Thursday Night Football (NFL Network 8:20 p.m. EST) will show that this 49ers team has developed an iron will, forged in the fires of disappointment and mediocrity the past decade. This group of men who have endured much hardship and distress under the leadership of lesser men is now rising up with a chorus of "family" to display a passion that burns hot yet does not wane.

Test of Character

49ers safety Dashon Goldson displayed some ill-advised behavior last week when he allowed Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Early Doucet to goad him into retaliation. 

The Ravens are notorious for engaging in contests of words with their opposition. This game will be about as competitive as we'll see all year, and tempers are bound to flare up. 

The 49ers must play with more maturity than the Ravens. This is a tall order, due to the Ravens' strong veteran presence on the field. Young 49ers Chris Culliver, NaVorro Bowman, Goldson and Ray McDonald must play with all of the intensity and fire the team has come to expect without going overboard and losing their cool.

Test of Skill

Finally, the 49ers must win the battle of skill. Players like Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree must show up at full strength and with sharp minds. Dropped passes could be disastrous to this young football team.

The offensive tackles must be strong and agile, and the entire offensive line must play as one. The Ravens are deadly in the front seven, whether Ray Lewis can go or not.

Of course, the biggest skill player that needs to bring his A-game is Alex Smith. Smith was visibly frustrated with his sloppy performance against the Cardinals. He left a lot on the table in that one. Alex Smith will need to hit more big plays to keep the Ravens defense softer for the run. 

Conclusion: 

I know many of you are sick and tired of the constant questions about if the 49ers are for real. The truth is this: until they knock off the Green Bay Packers in January, it's all just speculation. 

This will be a good lesson for the team, whether they come away with a win or a loss. Head coach Jim Harbaugh is an expert at getting the most out of this group regardless of the circumstances. 

I am looking forward to this game. Until then, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!