While the offense has taken their game to a whole new level in the second half of the season when Colin Kaepernick took over at quarterback, the San Francisco 49ers have established a name for themselves over the 2012 season as they ranked near the top of the league. However, there may be a reason to be concerned heading into Super Bowl XLVII as some of their key players haven’t been 100 percent healthy–especially Aldon Smith and Justin Smith.

Since these two star players are nursing injuries, it will be important for the rest of the 49ers’ defense to step up their game if this team has any chance of overtaking the Baltimore Ravens in this year’s HarBowl. Plus, if San Francisco’s defense struggles in the pass rush, Joe Flacco is going to continue playing at the high level he’s been at in the playoffs as he’s thrown eight touchdowns over the first three games so far with zero interceptions.

This game will certainly feature two of the top defenses in the NFL, but there’s no question the 49ers would have the edge if the Smiths were 100 percent healthy heading into Sunday. As mentioned before, San Francisco has established a reputation for themselves over the last two seasons by having one of the top defenses in the league and how well they perform on Sunday.

If their injuries bother them during the game on Sunday, it could be trouble for the 49ers matching up against a Ravens’ offense loaded with plenty of talent.