Patriots Versus Panthers in Rematch of Super Bowl XXXVIII

The Patriots won their second Super Bowl 32-29 six years ago.

Patriots (7-5) vs. Panthers (5-7)

Sunday 1:00 - FOX

Favorite: Patriots -14

Over/Under: 44

The NFL has become a game of trends. Whether it's on offense, defense, special teams, or game planning, every team, player, and coach has a tendency. The trend of the 2009 Patriots has been their inability to finish games. In the five Patriots losses this season, they have been outscored a remarkable 70-24 in the second half.

In recent years many people have referred to the Patriots as a "dynasty," and the truth is that statement is hard to refute. What made the Patriots great was their unique ability to win tough games in the 4th quarter. They truly exemplified a team that never quit. During their time on top Tom Brady has orchestrated 29 fourth quarter comebacks.

There is no question the Patriots are better than their record dictates. If the playoffs were to start today the Patriots would be in as the fourth seed (they have the worst record of division leaders). Having said that, they do not have much room for error. If they stick to the "one game at a time" mentality that Belichick always preaches, they'll be able to ride the momentum into the playoffs.

In the aftermath of back to back frustrating losses, things were tenser than usual at Gillette Stadium this week. Belichick sent WR Randy Moss and LBs Adalius Thomas, Gary Guyton, and Derrick Burgess home from practice on Wednesday morning after they showed up late. Granted it was a tough commute for an 8AM meeting in stormy conditions, every other player showed up on time and that was not an acceptable excuse for their coach. After dropping 3 of the last 4 games, Belichick is holding players accountable and setting a standard that needs to be met.

On to the opponent:

Do not misinterpret the Carolina Panthers 5-7 record. While they have played some ugly games this season, this team presents a few interesting challenges every fan should know about.

1. Quarterback situation. Jake Delhomme and JaMarcus Russell have been fighting it out this season for NFL's worst quarterback. Unfortunately, the Panthers have put themselves in quite the financial bind. Delhomme is scheduled to receive nearly $13 million guaranteed next year, regardless of whether he is cut or not in the off-season. He's currently sidelined with a finger injury as backup Matt Moore will get the start vs. the Patriots.

• Moore started in place of Delhomme last week in the win versus the Buccaneers. The offensive play calling was conservative and run heavy, and more of the same can be expected Sunday.
• WR Steve Smith is the Panthers' vertical weapon. Belichick will likely use various forms of double coverage during passing downs and in the red zone versus Smith.
  

2. Their running game. Everybody knows about DeAngelo Williams and his success in recent years. Williams is a polished runner, who, despite his size, has an unbelievable ability to slip tackles, and break off long runs. His "backup" is Jonathan Stewart. Stewart is arguably the most physically gifted backup running back in the NFL and would be a starter on many teams.

• The Panthers offense wins or loses with the success of their running game. With Moore starting at QB look for Williams and Stewart to get a lot of run.
  
• These running backs are dangerous even when there appears to be no running room, and the Patriots need to pursue and tackle well.
• With a weaker threat of a passing attack, the Patriots will regularly stack the box to stop the run and make Matt Moore beat them.

3. Panthers three-headed-monster on defense. The Panthers are beatable on defense and feature an especially vulnerable secondary. Nonetheless, the Patriots need to be aware of a few key players. First and most obvious is Julius Peppers. With 8.5 sacks this season, Peppers is playing very well and the Patriots will want to rotate a lot of pass protection to his side. Jon Beason holds down the linebacking unit and despite some injuries has racked up 102 tackles with 3 picks. Their secondary is led my Chris Gamble who generally shadows opposing #1 WR's, and is playing at the highest level of his career.

The truth is that the Patriots have been their own worst enemies. Every week the coaches plan for success and it's a matter of the players executing. The last two games have been emotionally and mentally grueling for the Pats. Bottom line: The Pats need to show up for the whole 60 minutes.

INJURIES:

Patriots Injury Report
S Bret Lockett (groin) OUT — placed on injured reserve

Did Not Participate
DL Myron Pryor (chest) Doubtful
CB Darius Butler (not injury related) No Status

Limited Participation
QB Tom Brady (right shoulder/finger/rib) Questionable
RB Fred Taylor (ankle) Questionable
DE Ty Warren (ankle) Questionable
WR Sam Aiken (shoulder) Questionable
LB Tully Banta-Cain (shoulder) Questionable
WR Julian Edelman (forearm) Questionable
DE Jarvis Green (knee) Questionable
T Nick Kaczur (ankle) Questionable
G Stephen Neal (ankle) Questionable

Full Participation
LB Rob Ninkovich (knee) Probable
CB Shawn Springs (knee) Probable
TE Benjamin Watson (knee) Probable
OL Sebastian Vollmer (head) Probable

Panthers Injury Report

Did Not Participate
DE Tyler Brayton (concussion) OUT
QB Jake Delhomme (right finger) OUT

Limited Participation
LB Na'il Diggs (ribs) Questionable

Full Participation
WR Dwayne Jarrett (ankle) Questionable
DE Charles Johnson (pectoral) Questionable
RB Jonathan Stewart (achilles) Probable
WR Muhsin Muhammad (knee) Probable
CB Captain Munnerlyn (concussion) Probable
RB DeAngelo Williams (ankle) Probable

MORE:

• Special team standout Bret Lockett was put on IR. The corresponding move was DT Titus Adams was added to the active roster. Adams is buried behind Wilfork, Myron Pryor, and Mike Wright.
• Wide receiver Darnell Jenkins and quarterback Jeff Rowe were signed to the team's practice squad. Notable players that have been promoted from the practice squad over the past coupe of years include BenJarvis Green-Ellis last year and Isiah Stanback this year.
• Tom Brady and his wife Giselle Bündchen gave birth to the couple's first child, a boy, earlier this week. This is Tom's second child, as he also has a two year old boy with actress Bridget Moynahan. Tom has missed practice twice this week due to the new baby and injuries to his ribs and thumb.