Super Bowl matchups

HOUSTON — How the New England Patriots (16-2) and the Carolina Panthers (14-5) match up in the Super Bowl:

WHEN THE PANTHERS HAVE THE BALL:

Carolina's offense starts with the run — the Panthers threw just 14 times in their 14-3 win over Philadelphia in the NFC championship game, only three times in the second half. Stephen Davis (48) is one of the league's best power backs and should be healthy after playing the past two games with a pulled thigh muscle. DeShaun Foster (20) filled in ably and gives the Panthers outside speed. Quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) was a little-used backup for six years in New Orleans, but in his first season as a starter has engineered seven game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime. His primary receivers are former Ute Steve Smith (85) and Muhsin Muhammad (87) with 35-year-old Ricky Proehl (81) the third wideout. Smith is the deep threat and Muhammad is considered one of the best blocking wide receivers in the NFL while Proehl has Super Bowl experience with the Rams.

New England used just two down linemen for much of its win over Indianapolis — Ted Washington (92), the run stopper, and Richard Seymour (93), one of the best young linemen in the league. Typical of the Patriots, Jarvis Green (97) had three sacks in that game as a third-down plug-in after having just 4 1/2 in two seasons. Rookies Ty Warren (94) and Dan Klecko (90) may play more this week to beef up the run defense.

The key to the New England defense is deception. They sometimes have most of their front seven stand near the line of scrimmage to disguise who's a lineman and who's not. Willie McGinest (55), Tedy Bruschi (54), Mike Vrabel (50) and Roman Phifer (95) all have played as ends and linebackers during their careers. McGinest and Bruschi have had outstanding seasons, although Bruschi's status is in question because of a calf injury.

They go against an experienced Carolina offensive line centered by Jeff Mitchell (60), who won a Super Bowl ring with Baltimore three seasons ago. Rookie right tackle Kevin Gross (69) has been solid and left tackle Todd Steussie (75) was a Pro Bowler during his time with Minnesota.

Ty Law (24), who had three interceptions in the NFC title game, will probably be on Smith most of the day. Law and strong safety Rodney Harrison (37) make the New England secondary one of the best in the league. Rookie safeties Eugene Wilson (26) and Asante Samuel (22) have matured as the season has gone on and Tyrone Poole (38), who began his career with the Panthers, has had a solid season.

WHEN THE PATRIOTS HAVE THE BALL