In Case You Didn't Notice

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The drivers are ready, the cars are all set, and the teams have done all the necessary preparation. This coming weekend will be the start of the 2013 Formula One World Championship season. The first race will be hosted by the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit in the land down under. For the next months, the world’s elite drivers will try their best to handle the speed-breaking horsepower of their ferocious cars and absorb the unforgiving g-force they subject themselves to.

F1 action - Vodafone Mclaren Mercedes

Last year, fans were treated to the thrilling battle for the driver’s championship between two main protagonists: defending champion Sebastian Vettel with his Red Bull-Renault, and former champion Fernando Alonso riding his Ferrari. With other contenders like Kimi Raikonen (Lotus-Renault) and Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), this year promises the same amount of action and drama as last year’s. There’s no denying the adrenaline rush of watching cars running beyond 300kph battling each other for track position while the risk of life-threatening crashes looms in every corner.

Before we get too excited with the coming season, let us take a moment to take a look at one important detail that didn’t seem to get the air time it deserved: Michael Schumacher retired after the 2012 season. If it did/didn’t make any sense, take some time for that line to sink in…

Toru Hanai/Reuters

Michael Schumacher retired after the 2012 season.

Michael Schumacher retired after the 2012 season.

Michael Schumacher retired after the 2012 season.

When I think of great icons of the 90s, I would say that there are three Michaels that really had a big impact: Jackson, Jordan, and Schumacher. The “King of Pop” was responsible for captivating millions with his unparalleled passion for music and performance. “His Airness” pushed basketball’s glory far beyond what Chamberlain, Erving, Magic, and Bird could ever imagine. Though Schumacher’s appeal wasn’t as encompassing as the other two, he was in the middle of Formula One’s popularity and further smooth transition into the modern era. He has done much for the sport to be regarded as one of the greatest to ever sit behind the steering wheel. As a F1 fan, I grew up watching him.

Victory leap - Sundarf1

Let the numbers speak for themselves. The German Schumacher’s success is attributed to 18 years of racing for four teams, 307 starts, a record seven championship titles, 155 podium finishes, and 91 wins. That’s one blinding trophy cabinet! As far as his many records go, he is 1^st in wins (91), 1^st in highest season-win percentage (72%), 1^st in consecutive championships (5), 1^st in fastest laps attained (10). Check the list of Formula One records and his name is littered all over the place with the most occurrences[i]. But numbers only paint half the picture of how Michael Schumacher fed his rivals dust and dominated.

Schumacher in his Benetton - Anton Want/ Getty Images

He was the driver that perfected the balance of intelligence and boldness to a point where man and machine became one. Whichever team he drove for, he was able to establish a good relationship with his engineers to get the most out of his car. Everyone knew he was fast, and he was able to do this mostly because of his ability to pick his spots well. He pushed himself and his car in areas other drivers wouldn’t dare go. It’s this kind of attitude and competitive will that set him apart from the rest.

Among the many clips in his highlight reel, I vividly remember one rainy Brazilian Grand Prix that submerged various parts of track leaving minimal tire grip. Vision was also very limited as the water directly hit the drivers’ visors. As a precaution, the race had a competitively slower pace to avoid losing control and getting into an accident. However, Michael in his Ferrari always had this confidence in his ability to drive fast under dangerous conditions as if the track was as dry as a desert. His skill put me in a trance-like state that made me stare at the TV and admire his work. I was amazed to see his red machine blaze through the track and leave the other cars with so much precision that I myself felt the confidence he had that there’s no way he’s going to crash[ii]. This is just one of the many other similar instances where Michael was a rain master that easily passed the opposition[iii].

Rain can't stop Schumacher - Getty Images

In the world of Formula One, a Schumacher performance like the one just described is its way of how other drivers want to be “like Mike”. Today’s drivers aspire to reach the same achievements and accolades of his legendary career. Watch Vettel, Alonso, Raikonen, Hamilton, and the other racers now in Formula One and you can bet all your money that they were influenced in one way or another by Michael. They all try to be “Schumi-esque”. If these drivers looked up to “Mike”, to whom did Schumacher look up to then?

Ayrton Senna - lacerdaayrtonsenna.blogspot.com

Does the name Ayrton Senna ring any bells? The late great Brazilian Senna was the driver during the 80s much in the same way Schumacher was the driver through most of the 90s and early 2000s. In a way, Schumacher attempted to be Senna-esque. His career is another totally different story that deserves its own piece. Simply put, he was one fine competitor that won a lot—and he should’ve won more if not for his unfortunate accident and death. I was still very young when his tragic death happened in the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. Listening and reading snippets about Senna sound like mythology to me as it seemed it pertained to a very perfect and mystical character. It was only in the 2010 documentary entitled “Senna”[iv] that I got the opportunity to watch the man in action. At the early stages of his F1 career, he had a heated rivalry against Alain Prost. At the turn of the decade, Senna was soon pitted against a young and promising youngster named Michael Schumacher.

Senna crashes to the wall - Reuters

During that weekend in May of 1994, the battle for 1^st and 2^nd pitted Senna against Schumacher. The worse happened as early as the 7^th lap. Though Michael was on Ayrton’s mirrors, the gap between the two wasn’t much. The youngster kept the pressure on his rival as soon as the race started. However, a bad turn by Senna caused him to lose control and crash on an unprotected wall. His car hit the barrier at such an angle that violently jolted his head to a deadly effect[v]. For a split second, his neck seemed like it was made of a slinky. It was the accident seen and heard around the racing world. Nobody expected this as the way for the young Schumacher to have his last ever influence from the great Ayrton Senna. It wasn’t the most pleasing way for the torch to be passed on to the next generation[vi].

Senna and Schumacher - LAT Photographic

For me, Michael Schumacher’s seemingly definite retirement[vii] signifies the termination of the last driver link between the contemporary Formula One to that of the past decades. What got me jumping when he announced his return from his two-year retirement for the 2010 season was that we’ll all get a nostalgic treat of the old days of F1. Now that it’s ended, it seems there’s no other choice but to eventually move on.

3rd place finish at the 2012 European Grand Prix -  Daily Mail

There are times when I despise sporting media for not giving due coverage to Michael’s last year. Since he mostly stayed in the middle of the pack, suffered unfortunate mechanical setbacks, and was a shadow of his former self, most—if not all—of the attention were placed on the competition for the championship. He’d get few mentions in case he made a few magical moves or when the standings are displayed, but that’s mostly it. His 3rd place place podium finish at the 2012 European Grand Prix was more of an exception rather than the norm.

The faces of today's drivers - Sutton Images

The names to follow now are Vettel, Raikonen, Alonso, and Hamilton. These names, along with the rest of the grid, are young and promising drivers. Their intense multiple-way rivalry makes for great sport. Racing is better than before with increased unpredictability and excitement. It all starts in March 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. The official end of the season happens on November 2013 at the Brazilian Grand Prix, and we’ll hopefully get a deserving champion by then. That’s as far as the season goes. With their age and skill that continue to develop, there’s no knowing when the possible rivalries will really end.

We may never see Michael Schumacher and his starry-red helmet move around the racetracks of the world. We may never see his name or initials “MSC” on the regular-Formula One programming. We may never see him jump on top of the podium after a race win. But I have this hopeful feeling that maybe—most probably maybe—Michael himself would be fine with that.

Getty Images

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[i] Check out http://www.f1technical.net/f1db/stats/ and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Formula_One_driver_records to see how decorated MSC is.

[ii] If what I remembered was the 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix, he did crash that race. But how he drove prior to that was still captivating.

[iii] Browse the internet for classic clips on MSC’s performance under the rain.

[iv] “Senna” http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1424432/

[v] It’s worth mentioning that aside from Senna, another driver that lost his life before race day was Roland Ratzenberget. This was a bad omen in hindsight.

[vi] Even as years pass, MSC still feels heavy about his relationship with Senna. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOQjYCwgLdE  

[vii] What is it with Michaels and multiple retirements?

Let the Players Write the Story

SUPER BOWL

It’s one night, one game, and one chance to be crowned champions of the NFL. In a vacuum, the ultimate match showcasing the two best teams from the AFC and NFC is what happens on the gridiron. But this is sports we’re talking about, and it’s near impossible to look at events such as this only on the basis of who won and who lost.

Neutrals and non-sports fans may see the game in two ways. The first is that the timeslot occupied by this game is filled with a battery of interesting and innovative commercials and advertisements. It’s that one time of the year when brands are sure to stamp their name in the consumer’s mind get if they manage to land one of the few prime ad slots of the game. The second caters more to the showbiz and musically inclined as the halftime show features recording artists and their Grammy-awards-worthy performances (sans Timberlake and Jackson circa 2004).

Coaching brothers John (left) and Jim (right) Harbaugh - Landov/Reuters

For those hungry for something deeper and more meaningful to sport, Super Bowl XLVII had storylines that added more spice to this already significant game. This game was billed as a sibling rivalry on a grand stage as brothers John and Jim Harbaugh are the coaches of the opposing teams. John leads the Baltimore Ravens while Jim, younger only by less than 2 years, heads the San Francisco 49ers. Second, Super Bowl XLVII was billed as the end of the 17 year storied career of Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis. To add one more championship ring with the other earned back in 2001, there was no better way to send him off to his post-NFL days other than to leave while at the top of the mountain. He solicited the sentiment of anybody who wanted a good end to any story.

Ray Lewis' last game - Dave Martin/Associated Press

But all that was set aside the moment the players and coaching staff ran to the field and were welcomed by the roar of the supporters that made their way to New Orleans. All eyes were locked on the action inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome come the coin toss and the opening kickoff. Forget the ads, forget the halftime, forget the storylines, we had a game to watch and a champion to crown.

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (white)  - Chris Graythen /Getty Images

The 1^st half was all Baltimore as Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco made numerous deadly passes to go deep into 49er territory. His hand was a rocket that sent the football past defenders and safely to the hands of his very capable receivers. Three Flacco touchdown passes in the half was thrown to three different teammates. Baltimore’s immovable offensive linemen played championship football. They blocked every 49er rusher to give their on-field leader enough time and space to make key plays. These men never allowed San Francisco to get a grip on the game for most of the first 30 minutes. The Ravens defense wasn’t really called into action as much as expected.

Ravens celebrate after a successful drive- Associated Press

Baltimore imposed their will on feeble San Francisco. It was very evident on the players. Flacco had the look of a calm, controlled, and confident quarterback. This was nothing unusual to the man who had a very good scoring rate in the post season. Colin Kaepernick on the other hand, his counterpart on the other team, looked worried and fidgety. His age and immaturity to the pro game was beginning to show, and one would wonder if he was ready to handle kind of responsibility his team placed on his shoulders.

Lost 49ers - Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

There was already a sense of disappointment brewing in as this final game didn’t seem to live up to its billing. All the hype and storylines promised may be for nothing as San Francisco didn’t look like they were there to win it. Ray Lewis and the Ravens were going to stroll through the park. As the halftime whistle was blown, the score was 21 to the Ravens, and 6 to the 49ers who managed to score from two successful field goals.

Everyone was given a break at halftime with a special quick Destiny’s Child reunion. After the epic performance, it was game time once more. As the 49ers came out to the field, their faces’ displayed determination and optimism that hinted a comeback. Probably due to the singing of “Survivor”? However, all hope was lost as their kickoff led to a record-breaking 108 yard touchdown return by Baltimore’s Jacoby Jones. 28-6 in favor of the Ravens.

Jacoby Jones' (white)  TD return - Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Some thought that the game was already wrapped up after this play. It appeared to be the dagger that sucked all life out of San Francisco. But somehow, there was a feeling that it was still too early for that. Hold the celebration; we’re just one minute removed from the half. There still a lot of football to play.

If there was one play that started to tip the balance of the game, it had to be in the 1^st 49er drive of the 2^nd half. After the team took another blow with a 6-yard loss due to a devastating sack, they were sitting at 3^rd and 13 at their own 40. The next snap had the power to dictate if there was still a game worth watching. The play clock ticked and the players huddled and positioned themselves to the line of scrimmage. As everyone waited to see if San Francisco was going to deliver, the lights went out. Darkness. It was something totally unexpected of the modern game. Play had to be stopped for around 34 minutes as power was being restored. Fans became restless and teams had an extended halftime. The rest of the logistics crew was busy scrambling all over the place to fix the problem. Little did we know then that those 34 minutes of darkness and inaction would be the start of the 49er resurgence that will give this Super Bowl its special place in history.

You'll know it's dark when you can't see the cheerleaders -Vucci/Associated Press

Eventually, play resumed and the game moved on. The drive after 3^rd and 13 ended in a punt. What followed was what can be described as the arrival of the San Francisco 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII. There was their defense that forced a 1:35 Baltimore drive with two incomplete passes and repossession of the ball. Next, quarterback Kaepernick does a combination of his signature timely rushes and pinpoint passing to give his team their first touchdown of the night. After the extra point, it was still Baltimore leading 28 to 13. This was followed by another four down and ineffective Ravens drive due to outstanding 49er defense. First down was an incomplete pass. Second down resulted to a 0-yard gain. To break the team’s fortitude, the San Francisco sacked Flacco for an 8-yard loss. 

After this play, he didn’t seem to have the same control he had in the 1^st half. The miserable drive was capped by a pathetic punt that landed near midfield and which was returned by the 49ers to the Baltimore 20. Kaepernick and the gang returned to the field to score another touchdown after two perfectly executed plays. Baltimore’s next drive was again wasted by a Ray Rice fumble. San Francisco recovered the ball and advanced to field-goal position. The quarter ended 23-28 in still favor of Baltimore.

Colin Kaepernick's TD rush for the 49ers - Christian Petersen/ Getty Images

Since the power outage, the 49ers outscored the Ravens 17-0. Who knows what exactly happened when the lights were out, but it seemed that after the blackout, a completely new 49er team was on the field. They were in the middle of a very heroic comeback. It had the possibility of being the largest deficit overturned by any Super Bowl team in history. Ideas brewed of how this will turn out to be a story about San Francisco. It was beginning to become clear of how perfect the tale would be if they were able to overcome such an adversity, how the team would win the “Harbough Bowl” and how the younger coach defeated the elder. To add more drama to the picture, one could already draw the plotlines of how the 49ers would end Ray Lewis’ career at a low note. It’s amazing to realize that all this started from a blackout that can easily be used as symbolic, artistic, and figurative device to the Super Bowl. Yes, from a writer’s perspective, it couldn’t be any better than this. It was cruel to the losers, but nothing beats a good story.

49ers celebrate their scoring run - Harry  How/Getty Images

But Ray Lewis and the rest of the Ravens’ defense had something to say about that. For a group of men that weren’t needed for most of the game and were slowly being dismantled, they grabbed the opportunity to end the story the only way they knew how it should end.

The fate of this game all boiled down to the last five minutes of play with Baltimore leading just 34 to 29. When the 49ers came knocking near the red zone, they were 7-yards out and four downs away from a touchdown that would give them their first lead of the game. The end zone was so near, yet couldn’t be any farther than those seven yards. Tension mounting, nerves rattling. For the first two downs, the Baltimore defense put enough pressure on the opposing rushers to concede a mere 2-yard gain. The third down was a showcase of excellent blitzing and covering to force an incomplete pass.

4^th down and goal, five yards from the end zone, the game was on the line. San Francisco needed a touchdown to make a case for the championship. Unfortunately, they realized, for the last and most critical time, that they were against the defense of the Baltimore Ravens: the defense that played a huge part on their road to the Super Bowl. Kaepernick received the snap and tried to stay in the pocket as he saw the oncoming rush of the defense. Despite the pressure he received, he was still able to throw a decent pass to receiver Michael Crabtree. Only the harassment and disturbance of Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith prevented what could’ve been the completion that to kill Baltimore.  

The decisive incomplete pass - Al Bello/Getty Images

The game trickled on for almost two more minutes, and that defensive play on the end zone truly encapsulated the hard work and effort the Ravens needed to show for to earn the Vince Lombardy trophy. If the Baltimore defense wasn’t a factor for most of the game, they surely played when it matters the most.

Love and respect between  rival brothers - Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

So much for a comeback, so much for the drama, so much for the light after the darkness. It almost was a waste. But as if to salvage some of the drama the blackout had to offer, it was mostly a waste from a 49er’s perspective. For what it’s worth, Baltimore, John Harbaugh, and Ray Lewis used the device just as well as how San Francisco could have used it. Their players and coaching staff took the spotlight on the stage that really mattered. Ray Lewis got the sending off that was 17 years in the making. All the drama anyone would look for outside the field and beyond the walls of the stadium was little compared to the emotions Super Bowl XLVII featuring the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers bestowed upon us. 

Ray Lewis retires as a champion - Lucy Nicholson/Reuters

Final Score: Baltimore Ravens def. San Francisco 49ers 34-31