It's not uncommon for quarterbacks to sense pressure that isn't there when they are getting tossed around, but it has somehow become synonymous with Tom Brady. Backside pressure makes Brady see ghosts, and Greg Hardy is as scary as they come. Look for Hardy to provide heat on the backside, possibly leading to a few Brady turnovers. Prediction: two sacks, one forced fumble.
Gronk has been his old self since returning from injury, and stopping him will be Carolina's no. 1 priority. Look for the Panthers to bracket Gronk with a linebacker underneath and Mitchell over the top, setting up Mitchell to feast on overthrown balls. He should see a few of those if Hardy can get home, giving him a chance to lay the wood or snag a pick. Prediction: seven tackles, one interception.
The Patriots' defense has had some trouble against mobile quarterbacks this season, losing one game to Geno Smith and playing a very close game with E.J. Manuel. Cam Newton brings the mobile element like few in the game, but he will need to be efficient with his arm to produce a victory. If he can consistently complete throws on the outside, it will spread out the defense and allow the Panthers' running game to take advantage of a damaged New England front. Prediction: 240 pass yards, two touchdowns (one rush), 67 percent completion percentage.
Speaking of a damaged front, the Panthers look to run frequently to keep the chains moving and keep Tom Brady on the sideline. With Jerod Mayo, Tommy Kelly and Vince Wilfork all on the IR, the Patriots' front seven is very vulnerable, and the Panthers will look to Williams to pound the ball inside and keep the Pats on their heels. Prediction: 21 rushes, 138 yards, one touchdown.
While there are many players on the Panthers' offense who have the ability to make plays and shine, the defensive genius Bill Belichick has most likely already formed a plan on how to stop them. Belichick knows how to take stars out of the game, so it will be up to role players to step up and fill the void. Tolbert has been doing that all season, and his contributions will be essential on Monday. Look for him to soften up the inside both in blocking and running, and to also be favorite at the goal both in running and receiving. Prediction: 45 rushing yards, 60 receiving yards and one touchdown.
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