Same differences

Another weekend, another round of rematches. Both of the conference championship games are replays of regular-season matchups. However, the teams involved have made some changes and improvements since they last met. Times NFL writer Sam Farmer examines how the participants have improved and what they need to do to get to the big game in Tampa:

Philadelphia at Arizona

Sunday, noon PST, Channel 11

PHILADELPHIA: Since we last met . . . When these teams played during the regular season, it was McNabb’s first game back from being benched. He put on a terrific performance under enormous pressure. Now, with his team having won six of seven, McNabb is loose and confident, scrambling out of jams and making plays with his feet. The offensive line has done a better job on protection too. Right guard Nick Cole, a bowling ball of a blocker, has done a terrific job in place of Max Jean-Gilles, who was playing in place of Shawn Andrews (back surgery) and suffered a season-ending injury in the Arizona game. The Eagles have tried to mix in the run more, but they still have a pass-first mentality.

Ticket to the Super Bowl: The Eagles have to take advantage of the matchup problem Westbrook poses. It’s difficult to create man coverage that allows two players to bracket him, so he becomes an issue with the ability to catch short passes and go the distance. Question is, how limiting is Westbrook’s swollen left knee? If teams resort to zone defenses, McNabb can pick them apart. It puts a lot of pressure on nickel defenders, or maybe free safety Antrel Rolle. When Westbrook and Correll Buckhalter are in the same backfield, both can make plays rushing or receiving. That’s a problem.

ARIZONA: Since we last met . . . Arizona’s defense, which finished ranked 19th in yardage, was anything but average in last Saturday’s stunning upset at Carolina. A week after limiting Atlanta’s Michael Turner to 42 yards, the Cardinals forced six Jake Delhomme turnovers (five interceptions, one fumble). The defense looked nothing like the one that, in a 48-20 loss at Philadelphia on Thanksgiving, surrendered so much to Eagles everything-back Westbrook. He became the fourth player in NFL history with two rushing touchdowns, two receiving touchdowns and 100 rushing yards in a game.

Ticket to the Super Bowl: Generating offense won’t be a problem for Kurt Warner and the Cardinals. Many think Arizona’s playoff inexperience might put them at a disadvantage, but its main man, Warner, has won a Super Bowl. It’s going to come down to the ability of Arizona’s defense to neutralize Westbrook, and the personnel grouping of Westbrook and Buckhalter in the same backfield. The defense also has to contain McNabb, who’s a lot more elusive than Atlanta’s Matt Ryan or Carolina’s Delhomme. In the excitement of a championship game, Arizona’s ultra-amped pass rushers have to be careful not to overrun McNabb. They need to get to his upfield shoulder, then spin back and get their hands on him.

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Baltimore at Pittsburgh

Sunday, 3:30 p.m. PST, Channel 2

BALTIMORE: Since we last met . . . Through the first five games of the season, the Ravens were 2-3 and first-year quarterback Joe Flacco had one touchdown and seven interceptions. He hasn’t looked like a rookie since . . . except against Pittsburgh. In a home game against the Steelers in Week 15, he threw for 115 yards with two interceptions and was sacked twice. His 22.2 rating was by far his worst of the season. Every game he plays is one more game of experience under his belt. In two playoff games, he has zero interceptions as has not been sacked. He’s also emerged as more of a run threat. His poise will be a big factor.

Ticket to the Super Bowl: Cam Cameron, Baltimore’s offensive coordinator, can be very creative. For the most part, however, he’s played it safe with Flacco, allowing the Ravens to do what they always do -- win with their defense. But, having been swept by Pittsburgh during the regular season, Baltimore might have to come out of its shell a bit and take some risks on offense. The best weapon in Baltimore’s arsenal is tight end Todd Heap, and the Ravens have to get him involved early and often. (Just the way Cameron did with Antonio Gates in San Diego.) It’s time to put a little more on the shoulders of Flacco. So far, he’s shown he can handle it.

PITTSBURGH: Since we last met . . . Willie Parker, meet Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis. Ray, this is Willie. Oh, you two know each other? They certainly do. In fact, Pittsburgh’s tailback is quite familiar with the Ravens’ defense, and forgive him if he’s not too excited to see it again. Parker sat out the first game against Baltimore this season, and gained only 47 yards in 14 carries in the second. But he’s been on a roll the past two weeks, running for 116 yards and a touchdown against Cleveland, and 146 and two touchdowns against San Diego. The offensive line is doing a better job of pushing open holes for him, and Parker’s tweaked knee is feeling better by the week. But will that make a difference against the league’s No. 3 rush defense?

Ticket to the Super Bowl: When Pittsburgh loses to Baltimore, the culprits are typically poor pass protection and/or turnovers. The key for the Steelers will be to limit sacks and turnovers, and find a way to keep the running game going. Pittsburgh’s defense is well-suited to play the Ravens, who are seldom flamboyant and instead lean on their defense to win. One thing the Ravens know about Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is that he’s a less productive player when he’s forced to throw from the pocket. Pittsburgh needs to find ways to spring him loose and let him create.