Championship game offensive keys

But before we all get swept up in the commotion, allow me to say this: The read-option is not the focal point of the 49ers' offense. Yes, it's explosive. Yes, it frustrates opponents. But it is not the core of what San Francisco wants to do when it has the football.

After following all four of these final teams in the film room throughout the 2012 season, I've found that each team has a distinct, fundamental approach to offense it will turn to more often than not. It's those foundational offensive principles -- and the opposition's ability to stop them -- that will decide which teams advance to the Super Bowl.

NFC Championship

For the Niners, that signature concept isn't the read-option but rather the power run game. Coach Jim Harbaugh has rolled in plenty of gadget plays and tricky wrinkles over the season, but pure and simple, San Francisco wants to punch its opponents in the mouth. If the Falcons want to advance to the Super Bowl, they will have to find a counterpunch.

For more on the four offenses in Sunday's championship games -- and how to stop them -- you must be an ESPN Insider.

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Ron Jaworski

NFL analyst / writer

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Ron Jaworski is one of the most popular and knowledgeable analysts covering the NFL today. Since joining ESPN in 1990, the former standout NFL quarterback has covered the league from virtually every angle -- sideline reporter, game-site reporter, host and both studio and game analyst. From 2007-11, Jaworski occupied one of the most coveted positions in sports as a Monday Night Football analyst.