WHEN THE PATRIOTS HAVE THE BALL

Tom Brady is a consummate professional, adjusting the Patriots' offense before the snap and exuding a quiet calm in the huddle that his teammates savor. The Patriots try to give him as many options as possible, trusting him to make the right read and relying on his exceptional accuracy.

New England has relied on both Antowain Smith and Kevin Faulk to run the ball but has turned more often to its quick passing attack in short-yardage situations.

While the offensive line has adapted to the loss of injured guard Damien Woody, it still will have its hands full with the Panthers' defensive front both in the running game and in pass protection.

WHEN THE PANTHERS HAVE THE BALL

Only Bill Belichick knows what wrinkles he and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel have devised to stifle the Panthers, but there's no doubt that with two weeks to plan they've come up with something. New England likes to show a lot of looks and use different sets. They'll do everything they can to test Jake Delhomme's ability to adjust -- this is still only his first season as a starter.

Linebacker Tedy Bruschi has missed practices with a calf strain, and the Patriots need him to be 100 percent. Look for versatile linebacker Mike Vrabel to line up in any of six different positions.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Panthers will have to keep a close eye on dangerous kick returner Bethel Johnson, who led the AFC with an average of 28.2 yards per return during the regular season. Kicker Adam Vinatieri struggled early, but he made five field goals in the AFC title game against Indianapolis and kicked perhaps the biggest field goal in Super Bowl history two years ago when the Patriots upset the Rams. There are no questions about Vinatieri's reliability under pressure.

INTANGIBLES

While the Panthers have been toting camcorders around all week, the Pats have been all business -- like a team that isn't taking its 14-game winning streak or second Super Bowl appearance in three years for granted.

-Luke DeCock-

KEY MATCHUP

WR DAVID GIVENS

CB REGGIE HOWARD

Givens, who caught eight passes and scored a touchdown in New England's AFC title game victory over the Colts, is big and operates well in the red zone. Howard can't let Givens get behind him.

-Darin Gantt-

To-do list

STRIKE QUICKLY

An early New England lead would force the Panthers to veer from their power running game, their biggest strength, and throw the ball.

INSIDE-OUT

Much has been made of the strength of Carolina's defensive line. Getting Antowain Smith going up the middle would strike a blow to Carolina's confidence.

SET THE TONE

The members of Carolina's secondary, led by Mike Minter, have not been quiet about their ability to play physical football. The Patriots must show they can play just as rough.

BRING TED TO BEAR

The Patriots like to play a 3-4 defense with massive nose tackle Ted Washington clogging up the middle. The better Washington plays, the harder it will be for Carolina to run the ball.

KEEP THE FAITH

The Patriots have won 14 consecutive games and are playing in their second Super Bowl in three years. There's no reason to change anything now.

-Luke DeCock-