Bell: Super Bowl non-call was the right call

49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (rear) is unable to catch the ball on fourth down with Ravens safety Ed Reed covering in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLVII. There's much debate about whether a penalty should've been called on this play. (Photo: Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports)

Story Highlights
  • 49ers' fourth-down toss to Michael Crabtree featured contact but didn't warrant flag.
  • Non-calls cut both ways throughout Super Bowl XLVII.
  • Officials set tone for the game by not doling out many flags.

    NEW ORLEANS -- Regardless of the pain in Jim Harbaugh's gut, the San Francisco 49ers were not robbed. The Lombardi Trophy earned by the Baltimore Ravens is not tainted.

    No call on fourth-and-goal?

    The officials got it right by not throwing a flag for the contact involving Michael Crabtree and Jimmy Smith — which went both ways — before 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's pass sailed out of reach.

    MORE: Niners speak out on no-call

    SUPER BOWL: John Harbaugh apologizes for tirade

    Had referee Jerome Boger or head linesman Steve Stelljes, the official closest to the play, thrown a flag it would have been a disaster that would have likely settled the Super Bowl by a penalty. Championships should not be determined by a flag.

    Harbaugh — whose sideline fit included slamming his cap to the turf and gesturing for a holding call as he screamed at officials — disagrees. After the game, he whined that a penalty should have been called on the third-down incompletion to Crabtree, too, due to the receiver's contact with Cary Williams.

    "There's no question in my mind that there was pass interference, and then a hold," Harbaugh said. "I realize I'm on the side of the 49ers. I'm the coach of the 49ers. There's some bias there, but I wouldn't bring it up unless it was obvious."

    It was a tough break, for sure. Yet while Smith's arms got around the outside of Crabtree for a split-second, it also appears that the receiver initiated contact by jamming into the cornerback off the line of scrimmage. And Crabtree also extended his arm as he pushed off Smith's helmet.

    The good non-call was also consistent. It's how the game was played.

    PHOTOS: BEST IMAGES FROM SUPER BOWL XLVII

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    Super Bowl XLVII will be remembered for coaching brothers John and Jim Harbaugh opposing each other on the sidelines. Older brother John and the Ravens held off Jim and the 49ers for a 34-31 victory.  Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns and was named Super Bowl MVP.  Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports
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    Playing in his final game, retiring Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis went out a champion. The future Hall of Famer won the second Super Bowl title of his career.  Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) celebrates with the team's cheerleaders.  Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens coach John Harbaugh celebrates with his wife Ingrid and daughter Alison.  Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens running back Ray Rice celebrates with a kiss for daughter Rayven.  Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
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    Retiring Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, left, celebrates with coach John Harbaugh.  Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, left, celebrates with retiring linebacker Ray Lewis.  Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens quarterback and Super Bowl XLVII MVP Joe Flacco, right, celebrates with retiring linebacker Ray Lewis.  JD Mercer, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens safety Ed Reed celebrates with a kiss for the Lombardi Trophy.  Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
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    Surrounded by photographers, John and Jim Harbaugh share a postgame handshake.  Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports
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    49ers coach Jim Harbaugh leaves the field after losing to the Ravens.  Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports
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    49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick leaves the field after losing to the Ravens. Kaepernick led a furious second-half rally, but the 49ers fell a little short.  Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens center Matt Birk celebrates with his son.  Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs celebrates.  Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones celebrates.  Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens quarterback and Super Bowl XLVII MVP Joe Flacco celebrates.  Crystal LoGiudice, USA TODAY Sports
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    Retiring Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis celebrates.  Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens guard Marshal Yanda, left, celebrates with running back Ray Rice.  Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens linebacker Dannell Ellerbe celebrates.  Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens defensive lineman Ma'ake Kemoeatu celebrates.  Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports
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    49ers tight end Vernon Davis leaves the field after losing to the Ravens.  Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports
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    49ers offensive linemen Alex Boone (75) and Mike Iupati (77) leave the field after losing to the Ravens.  Crystal LoGiudice, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens guard Bobbie Williams celebrates.  Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco and linebacker Terrell Suggs celebrate.  Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens quarterback and Super Bowl XLVII MVP Joe Flacco celebrates.  Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens linebacker Josh Bynes celebrates.  Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens running back Bernard Pierce celebrates.  Chuck Cook, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens fullback Vonta Leach, top, and defensive back Chykie Brown celebrate.  Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports
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    The Ravens rush the field after the final whistle sounded on their Super Bowl XLVII victory.  Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
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    The 49ers' hopes ended when this fourth-down pass intended for Michael Crabtree fell incomplete. San Francisco clamored for a pass interference penalty, but none was called.  Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) knocks the ball away from 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree during the fourth quarter.  Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
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    49ers receiver Randy Moss, center, gets sanwiched between Ravens defenders Ed Reed, left, and Bernard Pollard after a second-half catch.  Crystal LoGiudice, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) eludes 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman on a second-half run.  Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
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    49ers coach Jim Harbaugh pleads his case with an official during the fourth quarter.  Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
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    49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks, left, drills Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco on a fourth-quarter pass attempt.  Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) looks for yardage during the fourth quarter.  Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens receiver Anquan Boldin (81) makes a catch under pressure from 49ers cornerback Carlos Rogers (22) during the fourth quarter.  Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports
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    49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) scampers into the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.  Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports
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    49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick celebrates his 15-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.  Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
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    Colin Kaepernick's score pulled the 49ers within 31-29 and was the longest scoring run by a quarterback in Super Bowl history.  Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens receiver Anquan Boldin (81) tries to stiff-arm his way past 49ers defender Chris Culliver after a fourth-quarter catch.  Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) tries to elude 49ers defender Ahmad Brooks during the fourth quarter.  JD Mercer, USA TODAY Sports
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    49ers running back Frank Gore celebrates his 6-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter that cut the Baltimore lead to 28-20.  Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
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    49ers running back Frank Gore does his best Colin Kaepernick touchdown celebration after his 6-yard score late in the third quarter.  Chuck Cook, USA TODAY Sports
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    49ers defender Tarell Brown (25) knocks the ball away from Ravens running back Ray Rice for a third-quarter fumble.  Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports
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    49ers defender Tarell Brown (25) falls on a fumble during the third quarter.  Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
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    49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) throws on the run under pressure from Ravens defender Courtney Upshaw in the third quarter.  Chuck Cook, USA TODAY Sports
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    49ers receiver Michael Crabtree (15) just missed coming up with this third-quarter catch. Crabtree made up for the miss later in the quarter.  Chuck Cook, USA TODAY Sports
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    49ers receiver Michael Crabtree (15) trots into the end zone to complete a 31-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter. Crabtree's score cut the San Francisco deficit to 28-13.  Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
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    49ers coach Jim Harbaugh encourages his team after cutting the Ravens lead to 28-13.  Chuck Cook, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens receiver Jacoby Jones (12) really put his mark on Super Bowl XLVII when he returned the second-half kickoff here 108 yards for a touchdown and a 28-6 Baltimore lead.  Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports
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    Raven returner Jacoby Jones (12) outruns the 49ers pursuit on his way to a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.  Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens receiver Jacoby Jones trots into the end zone to finish off his 108-yard kick return for a score. The return is the longest kickoff return in Super Bowl history.  Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports
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    Super Bowl XLVII took a turn for the bizarre when the power went out to half of the Super Bowl early in the third quarter.  Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
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    Shortly after Ravens receiver Jacoby Jones returned the second-half kickoff for a touchdown, the power went out at the Superdome.  Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports
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    During the outage, players, coaches and security personnel remained on the field while the problem was sorted out.  Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
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    A police officer waits out the third-quarter power outage.  Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens receiver Jacoby Jones (12) jukes past 49ers defender Chris Culliver (29) to complete a 56-yard touchdown catch late in the second quarter.  Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens receiver Jacoby Jones dives into the end zone to complete his 56-yard touchdown catch just before halftime.  Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens receiver Jacoby Jones (12) celebrates his second-quarter touchdown catch.  Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) and receiver Jacoby Jones celebrate their 56-yard hook-up that put Baltimore ahead 21-6 at halftime.  Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens running back Ray Rice, center, powers ahead for yardage on a first-half carry.  Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) leaps over teammate Kelechi Osemele on a second-quarter carry.  Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens fullback Vonta Leach (44) leaps over 49ers defender Tarell Brown (25) on a second-quarter catch.  Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) fails to convert on a fake field goal during the second quarter.  Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (88) hauls in a 1-yard touchdown catch behind a pair of 49ers defenders in the second quarter.  Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) celebrates his second-quarter touchdown pass that put Baltimore ahead 14-3.  JD Mercer, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens defender Courtney Upshaw (91) knocks the ball away from 49ers running back LaMichael James (23) during the second quarter.  Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens defender Arthur Jones (97) celebrates after recovering a fumble by 49ers running back LaMichael James in the second quarter. The turnover led to Baltimore's second touchdown.  Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
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    Things got a little out of hand as players from both teams fought for possession of the fumble.  Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports
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    A scuffle ensues after a fumble in the second quarter.  Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens cornerback Cary Williams, right, was at the center of a scuffle after a second-quarter fumble.  Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (52) brings down 49ers running back LaMichael James during the second quarter.  Chuck Cook, USA TODAY Sports
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    49ers defensive end Ray McDonald (91) celebrates sacking Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) in the first quarter.  Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens receiver Anquan Boldin, left, exchanges words with 49ers defender Chris Culliver after a first-quarter catch.  Derick Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
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    49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) eludes Ravens defender Bernard Pollard (31) after a second-quarter catch.  Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens quaterback Joe Flacco (5) tries to avoid the pressure of 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks during the first quarter.  Chuck Cook, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws under pressure during the first quarter.  Chuck Cook, USA TODAY Sports
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    49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) dives for extra yardage after a first-quarter catch.  Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
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    49ers receiver Michael Crabtree (15) slips away from Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (52) after a first-quarter catch.  Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
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    49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) drops back and fires a a first-quarter pass.  Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens receiver Torrey Smith (82) makes a leaping catch in front of 49ers defender Donte Whitner (31) during the first quarter.  Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports
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    The Ravens struck first in Super Bowl XLVII when Anquan Boldin (81) hauled in this 13-yard touchdown catch early in the first quarter.  Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens receiver Anquan Boldin celebrates his early score that put Baltimore ahead 7-0.  Derick Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) celebrates his 13-yard first-quarter touchdown pass.  Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, right, gets a bit of 49ers running back Frank Gore's facemask on a first-quarter run.  JD Mercer, USA TODAY Sports
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    49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) directs the huddle on the first drive of the game.  Chuck Cook, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis directs the defense early in the game.  Chuck Cook, USA TODAY Sports
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    A bird's eye view of the San Francisco 49ers taking the field for Super Bowl XLVII.  USA TODAY Sports
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    A bird's eye view of the Baltimore Ravens taking the field for Super Bowl XLVII.  USA TODAY Sports
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    Alicia Keys sings the national anthem prior to kickoff.  Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports
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    The Ravens stand for the national anthem.  Derick Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
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    Jennifer Hudson and students from Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., sing 'America the Beautiful' prior to kickoff.  Derick Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
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    The 49ers gather at midfield one last time before kickoff.  Chuck Cook, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (52), playing his final game before retirement, fires up his teammates before kickoff.  Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
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    NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, center, poses with the Super Bowl XLVII officials prior to the game.  Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
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    NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell gets ready for Super Bowl XLVII inside the Superdome.  Derick Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
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    John, left, and Jim Harbaugh share one last moment during pregame warmups prior to Super Bowl XLVII.  Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports
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    The Mercedes-Benz Superdome prepares for Super Bowl XLVII.  Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports
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    Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries:
      Replay
      • Super Bowl XLVII will be remembered for coaching brothers John and Jim Harbaugh opposing each other on the sidelines. Older brother John and the Ravens held off Jim and the 49ers for a 34-31 victory.
      • Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns and was named Super Bowl MVP.
      • Playing in his final game, retiring Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis went out a champion. The future Hall of Famer won the second Super Bowl title of his career.
      • Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) celebrates with the team's cheerleaders.
      • Ravens coach John Harbaugh celebrates with his wife Ingrid and daughter Alison.
      • Ravens running back Ray Rice celebrates with a kiss for daughter Rayven.
      • Retiring Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, left, celebrates with coach John Harbaugh.
      • Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, left, celebrates with retiring linebacker Ray Lewis.
      • Ravens quarterback and Super Bowl XLVII MVP Joe Flacco, right, celebrates with retiring linebacker Ray Lewis.
      • Ravens safety Ed Reed celebrates with a kiss for the Lombardi Trophy.
      • Surrounded by photographers, John and Jim Harbaugh share a postgame handshake.
      • 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh leaves the field after losing to the Ravens.
      • 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick leaves the field after losing to the Ravens. Kaepernick led a furious second-half rally, but the 49ers fell a little short.
      • Ravens center Matt Birk celebrates with his son.
      • Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs celebrates.
      • Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones celebrates.
      • Ravens quarterback and Super Bowl XLVII MVP Joe Flacco celebrates.
      • Retiring Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis celebrates.
      • Ravens guard Marshal Yanda, left, celebrates with running back Ray Rice.
      • Ravens linebacker Dannell Ellerbe celebrates.
      • Ravens defensive lineman Ma'ake Kemoeatu celebrates.
      • 49ers tight end Vernon Davis leaves the field after losing to the Ravens.
      • 49ers offensive linemen Alex Boone (75) and Mike Iupati (77) leave the field after losing to the Ravens.
      • Ravens guard Bobbie Williams celebrates.
      • Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco and linebacker Terrell Suggs celebrate.
      • Ravens quarterback and Super Bowl XLVII MVP Joe Flacco celebrates.
      • Ravens linebacker Josh Bynes celebrates.
      • Ravens running back Bernard Pierce celebrates.
      • Ravens fullback Vonta Leach, top, and defensive back Chykie Brown celebrate.
      • The Ravens rush the field after the final whistle sounded on their Super Bowl XLVII victory.
      • The 49ers' hopes ended when this fourth-down pass intended for Michael Crabtree fell incomplete. San Francisco clamored for a pass interference penalty, but none was called.
      • Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) knocks the ball away from 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree during the fourth quarter.
      • 49ers receiver Randy Moss, center, gets sanwiched between Ravens defenders Ed Reed, left, and Bernard Pollard after a second-half catch.
      • Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) eludes 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman on a second-half run.
      • 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh pleads his case with an official during the fourth quarter.
      • 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks, left, drills Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco on a fourth-quarter pass attempt.
      • Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) looks for yardage during the fourth quarter.
      • Ravens receiver Anquan Boldin (81) makes a catch under pressure from 49ers cornerback Carlos Rogers (22) during the fourth quarter.
      • 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) scampers into the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
      • 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick celebrates his 15-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
      • Colin Kaepernick's score pulled the 49ers within 31-29 and was the longest scoring run by a quarterback in Super Bowl history.
      • Ravens receiver Anquan Boldin (81) tries to stiff-arm his way past 49ers defender Chris Culliver after a fourth-quarter catch.
      • Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) tries to elude 49ers defender Ahmad Brooks during the fourth quarter.
      • 49ers running back Frank Gore celebrates his 6-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter that cut the Baltimore lead to 28-20.
      • 49ers running back Frank Gore does his best Colin Kaepernick touchdown celebration after his 6-yard score late in the third quarter.
      • 49ers defender Tarell Brown (25) knocks the ball away from Ravens running back Ray Rice for a third-quarter fumble.
      • 49ers defender Tarell Brown (25) falls on a fumble during the third quarter.
      • 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) throws on the run under pressure from Ravens defender Courtney Upshaw in the third quarter.
      • 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree (15) just missed coming up with this third-quarter catch. Crabtree made up for the miss later in the quarter.
      • 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree (15) trots into the end zone to complete a 31-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter. Crabtree's score cut the San Francisco deficit to 28-13.
      • 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh encourages his team after cutting the Ravens lead to 28-13.
      • Ravens receiver Jacoby Jones (12) really put his mark on Super Bowl XLVII when he returned the second-half kickoff here 108 yards for a touchdown and a 28-6 Baltimore lead.
      • Raven returner Jacoby Jones (12) outruns the 49ers pursuit on his way to a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
      • Ravens receiver Jacoby Jones trots into the end zone to finish off his 108-yard kick return for a score. The return is the longest kickoff return in Super Bowl history.
      • Super Bowl XLVII took a turn for the bizarre when the power went out to half of the Super Bowl early in the third quarter.
      • Shortly after Ravens receiver Jacoby Jones returned the second-half kickoff for a touchdown, the power went out at the Superdome.
      • During the outage, players, coaches and security personnel remained on the field while the problem was sorted out.
      • A police officer waits out the third-quarter power outage.
      • Ravens receiver Jacoby Jones (12) jukes past 49ers defender Chris Culliver (29) to complete a 56-yard touchdown catch late in the second quarter.
      • Ravens receiver Jacoby Jones dives into the end zone to complete his 56-yard touchdown catch just before halftime.
      • Ravens receiver Jacoby Jones (12) celebrates his second-quarter touchdown catch.
      • Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) and receiver Jacoby Jones celebrate their 56-yard hook-up that put Baltimore ahead 21-6 at halftime.
      • Ravens running back Ray Rice, center, powers ahead for yardage on a first-half carry.
      • Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) leaps over teammate Kelechi Osemele on a second-quarter carry.
      • Ravens fullback Vonta Leach (44) leaps over 49ers defender Tarell Brown (25) on a second-quarter catch.
      • Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) fails to convert on a fake field goal during the second quarter.
      • Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (88) hauls in a 1-yard touchdown catch behind a pair of 49ers defenders in the second quarter.
      • Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) celebrates his second-quarter touchdown pass that put Baltimore ahead 14-3.
      • Ravens defender Courtney Upshaw (91) knocks the ball away from 49ers running back LaMichael James (23) during the second quarter.
      • Ravens defender Arthur Jones (97) celebrates after recovering a fumble by 49ers running back LaMichael James in the second quarter. The turnover led to Baltimore's second touchdown.
      • Things got a little out of hand as players from both teams fought for possession of the fumble.
      • A scuffle ensues after a fumble in the second quarter.
      • Ravens cornerback Cary Williams, right, was at the center of a scuffle after a second-quarter fumble.
      • Ravens linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (52) brings down 49ers running back LaMichael James during the second quarter.
      • 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald (91) celebrates sacking Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) in the first quarter.
      • Ravens receiver Anquan Boldin, left, exchanges words with 49ers defender Chris Culliver after a first-quarter catch.
      • 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) eludes Ravens defender Bernard Pollard (31) after a second-quarter catch.
      • Ravens quaterback Joe Flacco (5) tries to avoid the pressure of 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks during the first quarter.
      • Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws under pressure during the first quarter.
      • 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) dives for extra yardage after a first-quarter catch.
      • 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree (15) slips away from Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (52) after a first-quarter catch.
      • 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) drops back and fires a a first-quarter pass.
      • Ravens receiver Torrey Smith (82) makes a leaping catch in front of 49ers defender Donte Whitner (31) during the first quarter.
      • The Ravens struck first in Super Bowl XLVII when Anquan Boldin (81) hauled in this 13-yard touchdown catch early in the first quarter.
      • Ravens receiver Anquan Boldin celebrates his early score that put Baltimore ahead 7-0.
      • Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) celebrates his 13-yard first-quarter touchdown pass.
      • Ravens linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, right, gets a bit of 49ers running back Frank Gore's facemask on a first-quarter run.
      • 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) directs the huddle on the first drive of the game.
      • Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis directs the defense early in the game.
      • A bird's eye view of the San Francisco 49ers taking the field for Super Bowl XLVII.
      • A bird's eye view of the Baltimore Ravens taking the field for Super Bowl XLVII.
      • Alicia Keys sings the national anthem prior to kickoff.
      • The Ravens stand for the national anthem.
      • Jennifer Hudson and students from Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., sing 'America the Beautiful' prior to kickoff.
      • The 49ers gather at midfield one last time before kickoff.
      • Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (52), playing his final game before retirement, fires up his teammates before kickoff.
      • NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, center, poses with the Super Bowl XLVII officials prior to the game.
      • NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell gets ready for Super Bowl XLVII inside the Superdome.
      • John, left, and Jim Harbaugh share one last moment during pregame warmups prior to Super Bowl XLVII.
      • The Mercedes-Benz Superdome prepares for Super Bowl XLVII.
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        "You can't just look at one play," former NFL linebacker Bill Romanowski, who started his career with the 49ers, said Monday afternoon as he passed through his hotel lobby. "You have to look at how the refs called the entire game. They let the guys play. The last thing you want to see — especially at the end of a Super Bowl — is for a bad play to be bailed out by a penalty flag."

        The legacy of one of the most thrilling Super Bowls ever should not be the call that wasn't made. There's a lot more to remember, from the power outage to the Harbaugh brothers to MVP quarterback Joe Flacco to Ray Lewis' last ride.

        Jim Tunney, a retired referee who worked three Super Bowls, told USA TODAY Sports he would not have thrown a flag, either, on that fourth-down play.

        "If you let 'em play for 59 minutes," Tunney said, "you've got to let 'em play the last minute."

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        The non-calls went both ways. On the last Ravens scoring drive in the fourth quarter, an apparent late hit on quarterback Joe Flacco on third down wasn't called, either. A penalty would have extended the drive.

        Besides, there's much to second-guess about the 49ers' play-calling choices on their final three plays. The 49ers threw to Crabtree, rather than tight end Vernon Davis or Randy Moss, on back-to-back passes. After a first-down run, offensive coordinator Greg Roman didn't attack the middle of a Ravens defensive line that was thinned by the knee injury that sidelined Haloti Ngata.

        For egregious non-calls, the officials missed it by not ejecting Williams for shoving an official during the melee that ensued after Ed Reed's interception in the second quarter. Although Williams maintained that it wasn't intentional, we've seen players get ejected for merely touching an official.

        Ask Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who was ejected from a game in October for making contact as he protested a non-call. In the Super Bowl, Williams should have noticed that the man he shoved was wearing black and white stripes.

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        Says Tunney, "When you go to break up a fight, sometimes you're going to get bumped."

        That the human element of officiating is part of the post-Super Bowl debate seems fitting . This season started with the lockout of the officials and the glaring miscues of their replacements. If not for the fiasco at Seattle, when the Green Bay Packers' apparent game-ending interception was ruled a touchdown , the lockout might have lasted longer.

        Now this. Although 49ers fans might argue, it's a good thing that the non-call won't go down in history as the most memorable thing about Super Bowl XLVII.