KEYS TO THE GAME

NEW ENGLAND RUN OFFENSE VS. CAROLINA RUN DEFENSE

* If it comes down to the Patriots’ running for short yardage, put your money on the Panthers. With an active front four featuring three of the league’s best young linemen in Julius Peppers, Mike Rucker and Kris Jenkins, Carolina has fouled up run-blocking schemes all season, leaving linebackers Will Witherspoon and Dan Morgan free to make tackles at the line of scrimmage. The Panthers also rely heavily on safeties Mike Minter and Deon Grant for run support. The key for New England is being able to run when Carolina expects a pass. The Patriots’ combination of Antowain Smith and Kevin Faulk may not instill fear in the Panther defense, but the two have run well behind an offensive line that has shown it can drive block when called upon. Edge: Panthers.

NEW ENGLAND PASS OFFENSE VS. CAROLINA PASS DEFENSE

* Since becoming a starter in 2001, New England quarterback Tom Brady is 39-12, 7-0 in overtime games. Carolina gets a lot of credit for winning close games, but the Patriots have won eight of nine games decided by seven points or fewer this season. Brady makes quick defensive reads and spreads the ball to a variety of receivers with short control passes. Tight ends Christian Fauria and Daniel Graham are underrated keys to the Patriots’ passing game. Carolina’s secondary plays well together and gets great support from a steady pass rush by the Panthers’ defensive line. Edge: Panthers.

CAROLINA RUN OFFENSE VS. NEW ENGLAND RUN DEFENSE

* The Panthers have an underrated offensive line. Running back Stephen Davis has gained yardage galloping through huge holes and when he has been hurt, the Panthers have run effectively with former UCLA standout DeShaun Foster. Center Jeff Mitchell is the trigger man on a versatile Carolina line that gets plenty of help from fullback Brad Hoover. New England’s defensive front has size, with 300-pounders Ted Washington and Richard Seymour, but the rest of the Patriot defense is somewhat small. The Patriots count heavily on linebackers Tedy Bruschi and Willie McGinest and strong safety Rodney Harrison to stop the run. Edge: Panthers.

CAROLINA PASS OFFENSE VS. NEW ENGLAND PASS DEFENSE

* Carolina has hurt playoff opponents with quarterback Jake Delhomme throwing the ball downfield to Steve Smith, Muhsin Muhammad and Ricky Proehl. The Panthers love to throw crossing patterns when teams are stacked to stop the run. The Panthers also use play-action short passes as running plays by getting their linemen out in front to block. Cornerback Ty Law is the key to the Patriot pass defense, so Carolina’s focus will shift to former Panther cornerback Tyrone Poole. New England safeties Eugene Wilson and Harrison are great hitters but are not good defenders in man-to-man coverage. Edge: Patriots.

SPECIAL TEAMS

* The Panthers are solid in all areas, highlighted by kick returners Rod Smart and Steve Smith. Carolina kicker John Kasay had four game-winning field goals during the regular season but has missed some big kicks. Adam Vinatieri has won several postseason games for the Patriots, including the Super Bowl two years ago. The Panthers have one of the league’s best kick-blocking units. Edge: Patriots.

COACHING

* Carolina Coach John Fox sends the Panthers into every game with goals of running the ball and stopping the run. This works because of the Panthers’ mental toughness. Carolina rarely makes mistakes. New England Coach Bill Belichick has earned a reputation for having his team ready to play in big games, especially on defense. New England has won playoff games by taking away opponents’ offensive strengths. Edge: Patriots.

INTANGIBLES

* This is the second Super Bowl in three years for the Patriots. Their experience should help them against the Panthers, making their first Super Bowl appearance. New England’s Belichick is 6-1 in the playoffs, Carolina’s Fox 3-0. Edge: Patriots.

LONNIE WHITE’S PICK

Patriots 26, Panthers 24.