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Carolina, which for years tried and failed to build a spectacular defensive line, now has one for the ages -- provided the Panthers beat New England today in Super Bowl XXXVIII.

That’s what Brentson Buckner said he believed, at least.

“Our defense is build around our defensive line,” said Buckner, who plays tackle on a front four that includes Julius Peppers, Kris Jenkins and Mike Rucker. “If we go out there and win a championship, we can be mentioned with Tampa Bay of last year and the Steel Curtain, because they won championships. That’s being the top defensive line of all time, because they went out there and did it.

“Doomsday Defense, Randy White, they won championships with their defensive line. Everybody knew they were good, but you don’t get that permanent stamp on you unless you win a championship.”

The Panther defensive linemen had 32 1/2 sacks this season, second only to Miami’s defensive line, which had 38 1/2.

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Charlie Weis, New England’s offensive coordinator who at one time this season was considered a top candidate to fill a head-coaching vacancy, began his career as a high school coach in New Jersey. He can pinpoint the day his career path changed.

“It changed on a miserable rainy day in November back in 1984 at Morristown High School, when I walked into the teachers’ cafeteria,” he said. “Everyone back then could smoke cigarettes and all that other stuff which I don’t do. Everyone was saying, ‘Only 12 more years until retirement.’ And I said, ‘This isn’t for me. I better get out of here.’

“I’m looking at my watch and I’m just trying to make it through the day, and they’re saying, ‘Twelve more years to retirement’? That just wasn’t for me.”

Weis wound up getting a job as an unpaid assistant at the University of South Carolina, parlayed that into a paying position, and his college and pro coaching career soared.

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A lot of people watch the Super Bowls merely for the commercials. Carolina receiver Muhsin Muhammad certainly doesn’t want to miss those.

“I’ve got my VHS tapes ready and some of my family back home to record the commercials,” he said.

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Indianapolis didn’t reach the Super Bowl, but Colt defensive end Dwight Freeney has already won the big game -- make that big video game. He shut out Buffalo running back Willis McGahee, 28-0, in the EA Sports Madden Bowl. Freeney is a repeat champion.

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Six members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame from Texas -- Earl Campbell, Ollie Matson, Don Maynard, Y.A. Tittle, Mike Singletary and Gene Upshaw -- will participate in the coin toss.

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Viewers at home will have a hand in determining the most valuable player. Fans can vote by logging on to superbowl.com. Fan voting will count 20%, with 16 media members representing the other 80%.

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Times staff writer Larry Stewart contributed to this report.