Keys to conference title games

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I didn't want to come out of the locker room roaring and flying and screaming and yelling — because after the initial rush you experience an adrenaline depletion and your legs become like lead pipes you have to drag around, and it might take you an entire quarter to recover.

Weather could be a factor in Sunday's conference championship games, mainly in the NFC title game. The forecast in Philadelphia is for snow, which raises questions for the Falcons: Are they truly a dome team? Or can they play in the elements? That's an X-factor in this game. If the field is sloppy, Atlanta QB Michael Vick will need to be productive in the passing game, because he won't be able to use his quickness as much.

In the AFC game, both the Steelers and Patriots are equipped to handle difficult weather conditions, so whatever the weather in Pittsburgh, it shouldn't be a factor. I've always believed that a sloppy field is an advantage for the players on offense, because they know where they want to go.

Now, my three keys for each team:

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Joe Theismann

Football analyst

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Former college and pro football star Joe Theismann has served as an analyst for ESPN's Sunday Night Football since 1988. He also is frequently heard on ESPN Radio, regularly contributes to ESPN.com and has contributed to the NFL Draft.