If there’s one thing to be learned from this weekend’s NFL conference title games, it is: The… If there’s one thing to be learned from this weekend’s NFL conference title games, it is: The old adage that “defense wins championships” is still very much alive.

This is no new concept, but it’s one that I went against when picking the Eagles and the Colts to advance to Super Bowl XXXVIII. I just couldn’t look past Peyton Manning’s two incredible playoff performances. And after watching Donovan McNabb lead Philly to a 20-17 overtime win over Green Bay, I thought I had this year’s title games all figured out.

But time and time again, defense has proved to be the determining factor in conference championship games.

New England’s defense was just too quick off the snap and caused problems for Manning and the Colts all afternoon. After cruising through the first two rounds of the playoffs without an interception or even having to punt, the Colts allowed four sacks and committed five turnovers, three of which came in the form of interceptions by Patriots cornerback and Aliquippa native Ty Law.

Tom Brady and the offense did what they had to do. They took advantage of opportunities when they presented themselves, protected the football, and were not afraid to settle for field goals. Kicker Adam Vinatieri was brilliant once again, hitting all five of his attempts despite the sloppy field conditions.

Carolina’s defense dominated its game in similar fashion. But it was rookie defensive back Ricky Manning Jr. and his three picks that stole the show – and the chance to go to the Super Bowl – from McNabb and the Eagles.

Philadelphia receivers certainly did not help their own cause. Dropped balls and poorly run routes were a problem all night. And despite a valiant effort to play with a rib injury, McNabb and the magic of “fourth and 26” were erased by a third consecutive NFC championship game loss.

But for the Eagles, the loss should not be shouldered solely by the performance of the offense. Poor tackling, particularly when three players failed to wrap up DeShaun Foster on his one-yard touchdown run, proved to be a big problem for the Eagles’ defense.

The Eagles are guaranteed to see some changes this off-season. Need proof? Look no further than the combination of plenty of salary cap room and free agency. Starting cornerbacks Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor, starting linebacker Carlos Emmons, and tailback Duce Staley are now all eligible for unrestricted free agency. Some of that cap room should be invested in a receiver, someone who could take at least some of the pressure off of McNabb.

But enough about that.

Super Bowl XXXVIII will feature two teams that boast two of the strongest defenses in the NFL. Both of these defenses are known for flying to the football and hitting people in the mouth.

The game will also feature two quarterbacks who have traveled similar paths.

Tom Brady owns a perfect 5-0 postseason record as a starter. It’s still way too early to tell where he will fit in with the all-time greats, but another Super Bowl victory would put Brady well on his way to securing himself a spot alongside signal callers like Roger Staubach, Joe Theismann, Terry Bradshaw, and – dare I say – Joe Montana.

Jake Delhomme is currently in his first season as a starter, and his team is the underdog heading into the game.

Sound familiar?

Brady was in Delhomme’s shoes two years ago when no one gave the Patriots a chance against the heavily favored Rams.

The Patriots and Panthers both have their defenses to thank for propelling them into the Super Bowl. You can be sure that no matter which team comes away with the game’s ultimate reward, strong defensive play will be the decisive factor.

Ryan Walker is a senior staff writer for The Pitt News and can be reached at [email protected].