Bill Walsh's timing offense — surgical short passing, backs and tight ends pick you apart.

The modern spread — empty the backfield, air it out, score in a hurry.

Smashmouth power running behind a mauling line — wear them down for four quarters.

Buddy Ryan's 46 — crowd the box and bring the house, relentless pressure off the edge.

Bend-don't-break zone — a rangy linebacker and ball-hawking secondary take it away.

Win both lines of scrimmage — maul them up front on offense and defense.