NFL Playoffs

ROAD TO CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Atlanta -- Led by dazzling quarterback Michael Vick and rookie Coach Jim Mora, the Falcons leaned on their one-man-show offense and rebuilt defense to clinch their first division title since 1998. After going 5-11 a season earlier, Atlanta registered double-digit victories for only the fourth time in the 39-year history of the franchise.

Philadelphia -- Losers of the last three NFC title games, the Eagles began their 2004 march by making two key acquisitions: receiver Terrell Owens and defensive end Jevon Kearse. Both played big roles in getting the franchise this far, even though Owens suffered an ankle injury near the end of the regular season and is unlikely to play in the Super Bowl, should the Eagles get that far.

DEFINING MOMENT

Atlanta -- After a humiliating 56-10 loss at Kansas City in October, the Falcons rebounded by winning four in a row and six of seven. In losing to the Chiefs, Atlanta surrendered a ghastly 271 yards rushing and an NFL-record eight touchdowns on the ground. Falcon pride kicked in after that.

Philadelphia -- A Nov. 7 loss at Pittsburgh helped shape this team and, in particular, the way it defends against the run. Jeremiah Trotter was moved back to middle linebacker after that loss; defensive tackles Corey Simon and Darwin Walker turned up the intensity; and the Eagles got a lot tougher.

STRENGTHS

Atlanta -- The exploits of Vick are widely known, but the real turnaround this season involves Atlanta’s defense. Among the surprising standouts are rookie cornerback DeAngelo Hall and defensive tackle Rod Coleman, who was solid with the Oakland Raiders but much better than that as a Falcon.

Philadelphia -- The Eagle offense is diverse, even without Owens. Donovan McNabb is coming off his best season, and Brian Westbrook can do a lot of damage as a running back and a receiver. The defensive line is healthy and deep, and there are three Pro Bowl players in the secondary.

WEAKNESSES

Atlanta -- The Falcons aren’t very diverse on offense, and that’s a problem against a Philadelphia defense that’s so well-coached by coordinator Jim Johnson. Cornerback Kevin Mathis suffered a high ankle sprain in the playoff victory over the Rams, and it’s unclear whether he’ll be ready for the Eagles.

Philadelphia -- Despite all their offensive weapons, the Eagles don’t have a pounding inside ground game. Their best battering-ram is Dorsey Levens, 34, the second-oldest running back in the league behind Emmitt Smith.

IMPACT PLAYERS

Atlanta -- Not only did he play a huge role in the Falcons’ gaining 327 yards rushing against the Rams, but Vick threw for a pair of touchdowns and registered a passer rating of 125.5. Return man Allen Rossum is always dangerous, as is pass rusher extraordinaire Patrick Kerney.

Philadelphia -- McNabb has rounded into such a good passer, he seldom needs to run. Trotter is the conscience of the defense, keeping everyone in line. And Westbrook is a difference-maker, a guy who can burn you from the backfield or split wide as a receiver.

THE BIG MATCHUPS

Atlanta -- Can the Falcons spring Warrick Dunn loose the way they did against the Rams? And can Atlanta’s front four put enough pressure on McNabb, among the league’s most poised and battle-tested quarterbacks?

Philadelphia -- Handling Vick is difficult for any defense, but how will Philadelphia’s quick, smart unit deal with the pounding it takes from bowling-ball back T.J. Duckett?

HOW TO ATTACK

Atlanta -- If he hasn’t done so already, Trotter should rewind the tape from Tampa Bay’s 27-0 victory over the Falcons on Dec. 5 and watch what Buccaneer linebacker Derrick Brooks did to make Vick look human. He was the leader of a defense that sacked Vick five times, intercepted two of his passes and twice stripped him of the ball. “I wanted my presence to be felt,” Brooks said after that game. “At any moment he’s carrying the ball, he can either make you look bad or you can put some punishment on him.”

Philadelphia -- Play keepaway; confine the Eagle offense to the sideline by controlling the clock. The Falcons need to get a lot of pressure from their front four, so they don’t have to risk too much exposure by excessive blitzing. Whenever possible, they should assign a cornerback to Westbrook. He’s too quick for most safeties and virtually all linebackers.

-- Sam Farmer