Steel curtain to close

New England Patriots @ Pittsburgh Steelers,
Sunday 12:30 p.m.
Keys to the game:
The Patriots need to establish the run with 1,000-yard rusher Antwain Smith. This may be hard to accomplish against the No. 1 run defense in the league, but they need to. Quarterback Tom Brady is more comfortable with the short passing game hitting his favorite target, Pro Bowler Troy Brown. Establishing the run will allow the Pats to take chances down the field with play action passing. Brady isn't that accurate downfield, but the play action gives him a one-on-one situation downfield where he has had success this year. Protecting Brady from the pass rushing Steelers also will be a main concern for their offense as he has been one of the main ingredients to their success all year.

On defense, the Pats need to continue their good play as of late. This all starts with the linebackers Roman Phifer, Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel. Bryan Cox maintains his influence on this group as a voice on the sideline and in the locker room. Coach Brian Belichick has used his defensive genius to mold this group into a tight unit that gives up yards in between the 20-yard lines but doesn't yield many points.

They will have to continue to rely on their running game, defense and kicker Adam Vinatieri if they want to give themselves a chance to go to the Super Bowl.

The Steelers have got to continue their dominance and not get out of sync with the addition of running back Jerome Bettis. Since his injury seven weeks ago, they have used a running back by committee with Amos Zereoue and Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala. Quarterback Kordell Stewart has done a great job in throwing for over 3,000 yards for the second time in his career. He has a host of receivers to throw to in Plaxico Burress, Hines Ward, Bobby Shaw and Troy Edwards. If the Pats find a way to stop the three-headed running attack, the pressure will fall upon the shoulders of Stewart and the defense to pick up the slack.

The only area of concern for the Steelers defense is its pass defense that has been picked on a few times this year. If Brady can get something going, especially on defensive back Chad Scott, the Steelers will be in for a long day. Another area of uncertainty lies within the leg of kicker Kris Brown. He has had some major problems this year, but coach Bill Cowher is sticking with him, hoping to provide much-needed confidence. He actually has kicked much better on the road than at home, which isn't good news for the home team Steelers.

It will prove to be a very entertaining, hard fought game, and I look for the Steelers to come out on top in front of the home crowd. The defense will get the job done, and the team will be in New Orleans next week after a 24 - 13 victory over the Cinderella Patriots. Look for Bill Cowher to even his record at 2-2 in AFC title games, having lost in '94 and '97, while winning in '95.

Philadelphia Eagles @ St. Louis Rams,
Sunday 4:00 p.m.
Keys to the game:
For the Eagles, it's no surprise that they must protect the ball and get a big game from quarterback Donovan McNabb. He has to come through with a repeat performance of last week's 33-19 whipping of the Bears. He has to create time and space while scrambling around the pocket. No corner in the league can cover very well for more than four or five seconds, which is what the Bears found out the hard way. He has to make good decisions on when to hold the ball and run and when to take chances. McNabb can set the tone for the game by coming out poised and in control. His ability to run down the field also will have a huge impact on this game.

Receivers James Thrash, Freddie Mitchell, Todd Pinkston and tight end Chad Lewis have to find open spaces if the Rams elect to play zone. Philly knows it and the rest of the league knows he is the one guy you have to stop but it just isn't that easy.

On defense, they will have to provide pressure on Warner like they did in their Week One loss in OT 20-17. If they are able to disrupt Warner and get him out of rhythm, they will have a very good chance at winning this game. The Eagles need to continue to play a very aggressive style of defense. Attacking the Rams and putting Warner on his butt is the only way to get them to slow down and to force turnovers. If the game comes down to the end, they have one of the best kickers in the league in David Akers.

The Rams will need to just play their game of attacking the defense with different formations and schemes as they look to go to their second Super Bowl in three years. On offense, if the Rams get in their groove with all parts clicking, they will be tough to beat. Look for them to come out jump ing all over the Eagles early, getting the crowd in the game.

Last weekend the Rams defense came out with something to prove as only cornerback Aeneas Williams was named to the Pro Bowl for the NFC's No. 1 defense. If they can keep being around the ball, the Eagles won't have a chance. They were able to get pressure on Fare last week, causing pressure and tipped balls that resulted in takeaways and points. Maintaining that high level of intensity will be hard to duplicate but essential for a victory.

Look for the road warrior Eagles to come into the Dome and capitalize on an early turnover to take the crowd out of the game. The Eagles will avenge their Week One loss and improve their road record to an amazing 9-1 on their way to just the second Super Bowl in team history.