Defense still rules in NFL postseason

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The New York Giants are headed to the NFC Championship game.

And they managed to do it without really being tested.

They dominated the Falcons in the Wild Card round and then headed to Lambeau and handed Aaron Rodgers and company their only loss at home this season. And they made it look easy.

All year, weve watched offense dominate defense. I cant tell you how many times this season, weve talked about the new-look NFL, where a great offense can overcome a woeful defense.

The examples are plentiful. The Packers, Saints, Patriots and Lions to name a few. (Even the Eagles fit the mold in the first half of the season).

But now, with the final four set in stone, once again we seedefense wins in the postseason.

Out of the four teams remaining, the Ravens and 49ers finished third and fourth in total defense.

The Giants rank 27th, but now healthy, its obvious that this unit is much better than where they ranked.

Only the Patriots defense is suspect, but with Tom Brady at the helm, its easy to understand why they are the exception to the rule.

So, the old adage appears to be true. Offense sells tickets and wins in the regular season, but if you want to win it all, you better have a solid defense. If you dont, you may be like the Packers, Saints and Lionsa combined 38-10 in the regular season .and watching the playoffs at home, just like you and I.

E-mail Gregg Murphy at gmurphy@comcastsportsnet.com

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