It was obvious that San Antonio, with its top-rated defense and three stars who have been together for five years, presented a far more daunting challenge.

They gaines 328 yards, including 162 rushing, against the league's top-rated defense.

Meanwhile, the Phoenix offense was able to move the ball on the Giants' defense, which began the day as the top-rated defense in the conference.

The Buccaneers' top-rated defense will try to solve Vick, who has helped lead the Falcons to eight straight games without a defeat.

They also had the top-rated defense in the league.

It capped a six-play, 73-yard drive Favre directed in 40 seconds against the Buccaneers' top-rated defense.

But a run in the playoffs will still be all about their top-rated defense.

That means Tampa Bay, with the league's top-rated defense, is back to functioning on all cylinders.

The Steelers, of course, have the top-rated defense in the league, which largely accounts for why so few field goals were attempted.

The Hawks again also had the league's top-rated defense.