Defense wins championships—it's one of the NFL's longest running credos.
Converse with any NFL fan long enough and you're sure to hear those words muttered. It's a popular phrase.
And then the confusion begins. Wasn't the quarterback supposed to be the most important position on the field? He is the first person every one watches, isn't he?
What happens when clichés collide?
All four teams playing for a chance at the Lombardi trophy this Sunday have the distinct pleasure of boasting two things: stifling, game-changing defenses, and difference-making quarterback play.
The Arizona Cardinals have been a completely different team in the playoffs, adding a defensive dynamic that was absent throughout the regular season. They're stopping the run, forcing turnovers, and applying pressure before the pass.
The Philadelphia Eagles have also honed in on the run while free agent Asante Samuel is picking up where he left off in New England.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens require no introductions.
With such strong defenses in place, this means it's going to be up to the quarterback to bring his game up a notch and transcend the popular NFL notion.
Defense can help win championships. But a dependable quarterback can find ways to overcome the strongest defenders. Look for the intangibles these quarterbacks possess to be factors against the NFL's best defenses.
Hunger Wins Championships?
Four NFC championship games and one Super Bowl appearance combine for multiple heart-breaking losses experienced by Donovan McNabb.
It's those losses that have defined him. And it's exactly what makes McNabb the most dangerous player on the NFL's most dangerous team. How long can one man tolerate defeat?
Finally returned to full health, McNabb had a season worthy of Comeback Player of the Year honors, but no one noticed. After his well-documented benching, McNabb has returned to the field with the kind of tenacity seen only in men possessed.
He's leading his Eagles to familiar territory in a familiar fashion—with no star wide receivers. The Eagles are a versatile squad. It's only natural for such an identity to be reflected in their quarterback.
A strong offensive line keeps him well-protected, an elusive Brian Westbrook gives him an escape strategy, and a reputation for winning games while including everyone precedes him.
There has to be a sense of entitlement with McNabb and the Eagles. They deserve to win—to bounce back after being written off—and no one should want it more than Donovan.
Great Wide Receivers Win Championships?
Kurt Warner had an MVP-caliber season in 2008, but skeptics have to wonder a little bit. How much of his success is due to the wide receivers the Arizona Cardinals boast?
He may have been the best quarterback for the job in Arizona, but he's still a quarterback who was benched halfway through his stint with the New York Giants.
Warner is certainly one of the NFL's most talented players, but in all of his great years, he's never been without exceptional receiving targets.
From Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt to Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, Warner could be experiencing some two-time MVP déjà vu.
Through two playoff games, the Warner-Fitzgerald connection looks good enough to have won the Super Bowl twice. Against Carolina, Warner found Fitzgerald eight times for over 160 yards and a phenomenal touchdown run.
It's not like anyone can be plugged in and accomplish the same things Warner has been able to do with those receivers. Or would Matt Leinart have been just as successful?
The answer should be an unequivocal "no"—but the question should then rest upon whether or not Warner would have been as successful without Boldin and Fitzgerald.
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