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Offense vs. Defense: There are two sides to the issue

• King: Bucs' defense rests its case • Banks: Bucs' Johnson validated • Banks: No. 1 D the difference • Donovan: Raiders too slow • Donovan: Controversy burns Raiders • Statitudes: Havenots can have faith • Statitudes: By The Numbers • Mandel: Broadcast took its time • George: Super Bowl ads fun again

CNNSI.com's B. Duane Cross and Ryan Hunt went Head2Head over which is more important: No. 1 offense or No. 1 defense? Here are are some of the users' takes:

Don't get me wrong, I believe your gonna have to put points on the board to win. However, there's no stipulation where those points come from. A great defense can put points on the board just as fast, if not quicker, than a good offense. A defense-oriented team such as the Bucs will prove once and for all that "defense wins championships."
-- Richard, Toronto, Canada

This is not a matter of who has a better single side of the ball, whether it be offense or defense. This is the best overall, well-rounded team. And while the Bucs have a dominant defense, I do not believe their offense will match the attack of the Raiders' offense. While my heart is with the Bucs, I pick the Raiders to win because they are a better well-rounded team. And, normally, a good offense puts more points on the board than a good defense.
-- Joey, Three Oaks, Mich.

I don't believe any team can win the Super Bowl with a one-dimensional game plan. Even though I consider the Bucs' offense only slightly better than average, their defense has been superior. However, I give the edge to the Raiders. Not only do they have the superior offensive team, but their defense has been very good. The offensive superiority of the Raiders will win the game for them. Any defensive lapses or weaknesses that are exposed by the Bucs will be exploited by the Raiders' offense and could produce a very lopsided victory for Oakland.
-- Mike, Klamath Falls, Ore.

I believe that having the No. 1 defense is more important. Look at how many games the Raiders gave up a high number of points. They have to score a high number of points just to win the game. The Tampa Bay defense is the best and will make the difference in the game.
-- John, Bradenton, Fla.

I believe the Bucs' defense will slow down the Raiders' offense; to what degree, I do not know. There is no completely stopping the Raiders' offense because it has so many weapons. What will be the deciding factor is the Bucs' offense against the Raiders' defense, which is no slouch. The Bucs' offense, however, is anemic. The Bucs will have problems moving the ball against the Raiders' defense, and as Cross points out, the Raiders' offense will outscore the Bucs' offense and come out on top.
-- Cephas, Vancouver, Canada

Mr. Cross, I agree somewhat. What you are saying is true -- except when you have a monster defense. The Bucs are a bonafide monster group! They are also motivated and really believe! They are, along with the Miami defense, the only group that can hang with the Raiders' potent attack (two Hall of Famers, albeit well past their prime, are nothing to take lightly). Bucs 38-24!
-- Brian, Minneapolis, Minn.

Defense is more important! Especially in concert with effective special teams that can return well (take advantage of stops and turn them into field-position advantage) and strong kicks that can create poor field position for the opposition. Why isn't anyone talkng about special teams; they always have an impact in Super Bowls!
-- Brian, Rowayton, Conn.

I will take a top offensive team against a top defensive team any day! Offense (not to mention a top-ranked offense) is designed to put points on the board. Offense is in the busienss of exploiting a defense -- good or bad. And with the offense of the Raiders, it will take an unprecedented effort for the Bucs to get a win primarily due to their defense.
-- Steve, London

Defense by far is the most important. If you stop the team from scoring, how can they win? A team can have an OK offense and win; it's not that hard. Field goals can win games.
-- David, New Castle, Del.

When it comes down to the final minutes of the game, the great offense usually scores on the great defense. Just ask Joe Montana.
-- Michael, Bay Area, Calif.

Offense can overcome defense every time, assuming the offensive unit is really clicking. As the defensive players stay on the field longer and longer, the defensive players begin to tire and the total defense becomes less and less effective. It is nonsense that defense wins ball games. Coaches, managers, etc., all spout this because it is much easier to built a defense than an effective offense. Conversely, if both the offense and defense are equally effective, the way the ball bounces normally determines the outcome. In other words, luck then plays a large part in the outcome.
-- Bob, Niceville, Fla.

Defense wins games. I completely agree with this cliché. There should be another cliché attached to it: The offense doesn't make mistakes, the defense creates them. The team with the fewest turnovers wins. Period. And that'll be the Bucs.
-- Austin, Toronto, Ontario

As we say down here in the south, Cross' dog just doesn't "Hunt." No matter what Callahan comes up with, the Pewter and Red are going to make the Silver and Black look like the Black and Blue by the end of the game.
-- Steve, Ft. Myers, Fla.

I feel that having a powerful offense with a less than stellar defense is preferable to an incredible defense and a mediocre offense. Oakland has a good defense and therefore should be able to stop the Tampa Bay offense in its tracks. Tampa Bay's defense on the other hand can only hope to slow down an offense that has the best passing game I've seen since the 49ers of old.
-- Matt, Harrisburg, Pa.

As much as I hate to root for the Raiders, a team that scores will wind out on top. The Bucs' D is awesome, but much of the season they racked up numbers and confidence against mediocre offenses. Rich Gannon has to be accurate, I admit, but if he is the Raiders will roll.
-- Tim, San Diego