And with teams like the Bears and Giants winning titles in the 1980s, it certainly held true that a dominating defense was a prerequisite for winning a Super Bowl.

In the new millennium, however, times seem to have changed. The top four offensive teams during the '99 regular season -- the Rams, Redskins, Vikings and Colts -- are all still alive in the playoffs. In fact, of the eight teams remaining in the postseason, all but the Dolphins and Bucs rank in the top 13 in the league in offense.

So, what's the most important element for a championship team today -- a great offense or dominating defense? We asked ESPN's NFL experts, and here's what they said:

Mark Malone

Offense
The old days of the Mike Ditka philosophy -- a dominating defense and a great running back win championships -- have changed. Ditka's firing last week is an indication of that. To win the big game in the playoffs, you need a good defense, but it doesn't have to dominate. More importantly, a team needs an offense capable of scoring points in the passing game. You win games offensively by running the ball, but you score points in the passing game. If you can't score points in the playoffs, you won't advance. You can also cover up some defensive deficiencies by putting points on the board at a high rate.

Marty Schottenheimer

Defense
The offensive numbers being produced this year notwithstanding, defense will win championships. The NFL is evolving to a point where a team has to score three touchdowns in most games to win. I think that is a breaking point. If you expect to win in the playoffs, you need to get a minimum of three touchdowns and then outstanding defensive play. The rules might be designed to turn the game into the old AFL, shortening the field for the offense, but if you have a truly great defense, you can force the opponent into errors and end up winning that way.

Sean Salisbury

Offense
It is all about explosiveness and scoring points. There are a lot of teams in the playoffs with offensive firepower. In the Redskins-Bucs game, if Tampa Bay's offense doesn't show up -- even as good as the Bucs defense is -- the Redskins are still going to score. If Tampa Bay's offense can't score, the Bucs will have to rely on special teams or some crazy defensive play to score. Times have changed in the NFL. That's why teams are implementing more three- and four-receiver sets and empty backfields. That puts pressure on the defense. And as good as defenses are, it's not like the old days when you played good defense and ran the football. If you can't pass, teams can stop you because they will load up the box. If you can play average defense and have a top-five offense, you will win more games than you will lose.

Mike Golic

Defense
Defense will determine the outcome of at least two of the playoff games this weekend. Tampa Bay's defenses gives it the best shot at winning. The Bucs should stuff the run, especially with Stephen Davis hurt, and force Brad Johnson to pass, giving them a definite advantage. In the Rams-Vikings game, one team will have to slow down the other team's high-octane offense. And the Rams defense is much better than the Vikings defense. The Rams defense, which doesn't get much credit, will be the difference. Jacksonville has had one of the top defenses all year. With Mark Brunell hurt and Tony Boselli out, the Jaguars will have to lean on their defense.

Merril Hoge

Offense
It has been heavily debated about what wins championships. Ultimately, teams win championships. You need a complete team. But in recent years, offenses have won championships. The ones that generate the most points win. There are some creative offenses in the playoffs, ones that pose a lot of problems to defenses. There are some offenses that are matchup nightmares for every defense -- specifically, the St. Louis Rams.

Chris Mortensen

Offense
Defense gets you to the playoffs, but you need the playmakers on offense to win the big games. This year teams need to score points to win. I still see St. Louis and Indianapolis being the favorites because of their offenses. In the '90s, the Dallas Cowboys played great defense, but in the playoffs, their offense won their championships. I've always thought that the offense has to crank it up in the playoffs and the playmakers have to make big plays.