Offensive player of the week:
Titans quarterback Steve McNair. Despite a pair of interceptions, completed 27 of 44 passes for 338 yards and a pair of scores, plus ran for 29 yards and a touchdown, and drove Tennessee downfield twice for the game-tying and winning field goals.

Defensive player of the week:
Buccaneers outside linebacker Derrick Brooks. The NFL's Defensive Player of the Year totaled 7 tackles, ½ sack, 1 interception and 1 fumble recovery in the win over the Niners.

Special teams player of the week:
Titans placekicker Joe Nedney. Proved he was a better actor than kicker, but he still came through when needed in overtime as Tennessee nipped the Steelers.

Number of the week:
Four. The Buccaneers' offensive TD total in the first half of their win over San Francisco. In 10 previous playoff games, Tampa Bay's offense had scored 8 touchdowns.

Surprise of the week:
San Francisco' offense failed to score a touchdown after putting 25 points on the board in the final 19 minutes of their come-from-behind win over the Giants the previous Sunday.

Coaching move of the week:
Oakland's Bill Callahan must have said something at halftime, because the Raiders came out with plenty of fire and outscored the Jets, 20-0, in the final 30 minutes.

Rising this week:
The Birds host the NFC championship game for the first time since 1980 and their defense couldn't be playing any better.

Falling this week:
Steelers' defense. Disappointed greatly this year, giving up 43 offensive TDs in 18 games (including playoffs) and allowing 30 or more points in eight contests. A year ago, no team reached 30 points in any of Pittsburgh's 18 overall games.

Store it away:
Tennessee vs. Philadelphia in Super Bowl XXXVII.

Tom Jackson is an NFL analyst for ESPN.