Passing game
Edge: New England
Tom Brady has become a master of getting everyone involved in the passing game. Ten times this season he completed passes to at least seven receivers. His receiver corps of Deion Branch, David Givens and Troy Brown (321 catches the last four years, 40 this season) is solid. Running back Kevin Faulk had 48 receptions during the season and led the Pats with 1,078 yards from scrimmage (638 rushing, 440 receiving). Carolina’s defensive linemen combined for 32.5 sacks, behind only Miami’s 38.5. The Panthers’ secondary is playing with plenty of confidence. Rookie Ricky Manning Jr. has four interceptions in three playoff games. Carolina won’t be in awe of Brady.
Running game
Edge: Carolina
The Patriots are more likely to win with their running game than because of it. Early in his career in Buffalo, Antowain Smith looked like a star in the making. He has settled in as a solid back who averaged 3.5 yards per carry, but he remains capable of big games. In two playoff games, he has carried 38 times for 169 yards and 1 TD. Kevin Faulk spells him and averaged 3.5 yards during the season. Carolina, whose 11th-ranked rushing defense should handle the Patriots’ No. 27 rushing offense, will try to maximize its advantage with a tough defensive line and fast linebacker corps. Strong safety Mike Minter will have to be a factor in controlling the run. Middle linebacker Dan Morgan misssed five games with injuries, but when he has played, Panthers have allowed only 80.4 yards rushing. He is healthy now: He had 12 tackles in NFC title game.
Key matchup
Panthers DT Kris Jenkins vs. Patriots G Russ Hochstein
Edge: Carolina’s Jenkins
If the Panthers are to pull an upset, their defensive line will have to beat up the Patriots’ offensive line. Jenkins, who’s on his way to the Pro Bowl, is a tough, full-speed inside force at tackle who can occupy two blockers. One of them will be Hochstein, who will be making his second straight start in place of Damien Woody, who went on injured reserve after hurting his leg in the playoff opener against Tennessee. But it will be only the third start of the season for Hochstein, a third-year player from Nebraska.
The lineups
NEW ENGLAND’S STARTERS
QB Tom Brady, 12: Can be one of all-time greats.
RB Antowain Smith, 32: Underrated, can have big game.
FB Larry Centers, 31: Most catches by RB (827).
WR Deion Branch, 83: 40 of 57 catches were 1st downs.
WR David Givens, 87: 12 catches in 2 playoff games.
TE Christian Fauria, 88: Coming up big in playoffs.
LT Matt Light, 72: Has started 41 straight games.
LG Russ Hochstein, 71: Injury gave him his chance.
C Dan Koppen, 67: 5th-rounder consensus all-rookie.
RG Joe Andruzzi, 63: Rock of stability on line
RT Tom Ashworth, 68: A starter in his 2nd year.
CAROLINA’S STARTERS
LE Julius Peppers, 90: 19 sacks in 1st 2 seasons.
LT Brenston Buckner, 99: 10-year vet leader of line.
RT Kris Jenkins , 77: A major inside force.
RE Mike Rucker, 93: 12 sacks during season.
SLB Greg Favors, 53: Filling in for Mark Fields.
MLB Dan Morgan, 55: Making play after play.
WLB Will Witherspoon, 54: Sack, force fumble in playoffs.
LCB Ricky Manning, 24: Can he keep making big plays?
RCB Reggie Howard, 23: May be the Pats’ target.
SS Mike Minter, 30: Big hitter leaves impression.
FS Deon Grant, 27 Weak link in the secondary.
Chicago Tribune
