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Keys for each playoff team
By Eric Allen
ESPN.com

AFC matchups

Ward
Ward

  • Pittsburgh Steelers at Tennessee Titans (Saturday, 4:30 p.m.)
    Key for the Steelers -- The Steelers' personality has changed this season. They're no longer a defensive-oriented team with an offense marked by three yards and a cloud of dust. Now they're anchored by their multitalented wide receivers -- who can run, catch, block and even throw. Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress and Antwaan Randle El are Pittsburgh's catalysts. The Steelers' fate against Tennessee rests largely in their capable hands.
    Key for the Titans -- Quarterback Steve McNair. He's a gamer, a guy who will come out on game day and really perform even when he's banged up. He's the key reason the Titans reversed a slow start and made their run to get to the playoffs. True, McNair could use some help from running back Eddie George. But if McNair is having one of his special days -- and it doesn't have to be a pretty day -- the Steelers better watch out. These playoffs are McNair's opportunity to show he can lead his team back to the Super Bowl without a dominant running game (remember three years ago, when the Titans came a yard short of tying the Rams as time expired in Super Bowl XXXIV?).
    Players to Watch -- For the Titans, McNair. I expect him to play at the same high level he's played at the past seven or eight weeks. For the Steelers, watch their wide receivers and how many receptions they tally as the game goes on.
    Curtis Martin
    Martin

  • New York Jets at Oakland Raiders (Sunday, 4:30 p.m.)
    Key for the Jets -- How well running back Curtis Martin runs the ball is essential for New York. Also, quarterback Chad Pennington needs not just two weapons, but three in the passing game (Wayne Chrebet, Laveranues Coles and Santana Moss). That was the difference when these teams played in the regular season (a 26-20 New York loss in Oakland in Week 13). Moss got hurt, which changed the game. If Pennington has his full cast of characters, the Jets could be the one team that's able to travel to Oakland and upset the mighty Raiders.
    Key for the Raiders -- QB Rich Gannon. Gannon, the league MVP, was consistent all season long. He has a dominant offensive line plus future Hall of Fame receivers Jerry Rice and Tim Brown. As superb as those two are, the Raiders go as Gannon goes. The Raiders have been close in recent years, and with a veteran team, their Super Bowl window may be closing. Gannon wants to add some team hardware to go with that MVP trophy.
    Player to Watch -- Gannon. Watch the tempo he sets in Oakland's precision West Coast offense, which controls the ball via the short pass. Overall, this showdown has the potential to be the best game this entire season (and postseason). The Raiders and Jets could be the two best teams in the playoffs.

    NFC matchups

    Dunn
    Dunn

  • Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles (Saturday, 8 p.m.)
    Key for the Falcons -- Multidimensional quarterback Michael Vick needs to excel, but the key for Atlanta is whether his supporting cast can step up. Running back Warrick Dunn and wide receivers Brian Finneran and Shawn Jefferson need to have big games for the Falcons to win. If these players can win their matchups, they can win the game. But, except for Vick, I don't see anyone on the Falcons' offense who can win his matchups consistently.
    Key for the Eagles -- Regardless of how quarterback Donovan McNabb plays in his first game back from his broken ankle, the key for the Eagles is their defense. Philly has been winning without McNabb, and the main ingredient has been the D, which ranked fourth in the NFL. Philly needs to be aggressive in executing its game plan. Brian Dawkins is revolutionizing the safety position -- he can cover the deep middle of the field and he can hit hard.
    Players to Watch -- For Atlanta, Vick is a potential highlight-film play every time he touches the ball. For Philly, keep an eye on Dawkins. I expect him to be a huge factor.

    Owens
    Owens

  • San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Sunday, 1 p.m.)
    Key for the 49ers -- Terrell Owens. He must find a way to beat the two-deep zone Tampa Bay excels at. quarterback Jeff Garcia is also crucial for the Niners, because he can buy time and disrupt the defense by scrambling in the pocket. The Niners need to run the ball well, too, but their success or failure depends on T.O. How big a day will he have? It will need to be huge to beat the Bucs in Tampa.
    Key for the Bucs -- Their defense. Tampa Bay's D was ranked No. 1 in the NFL this season for a reason. The Bucs have the best defense in the playoffs -- led by relative unknown Brian Kelly (eight interceptions) keying the Cover-2 scheme, sack master Simeon Rice and Warren Sapp on the line, and Derrick Brooks at linebacker. Brooks was arguably the second-best player in the NFL this season (behind Rich Gannon). Brooks' four defensive touchdowns this season are comparable to Marvin Harrison's 143 catches or Gannon's 4,689 passing yards.
    Players to Watch: Owens and Brooks. The question is: Who can control the middle of the field? Whoever has the best game will probably lead his team to victory. Keep an eye on Keyshawn Johnson too, but don't put him in the same league as Owens. T.O. clearly will be the best wide receiver on the field.






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