Cardinals-Panthers scouting report

Cardinals on offense: Well, if Edgerrin James is going to run the way he did against the Falcons last Saturday, this could be very interesting. James (16 carries, 73 yards) ran with power and conviction in the playoff opener. He exploited tiny cracks and burst through them with his shoulders low and his legs churning. James has been MIA most of the season, but if he can continue to run like his old self, it will give Arizona the balance it has sought all season. The aerial game is orchestrated by Kurt Warner. The graybeard QB still has excellent zip on his passes and generally makes good decisions. Warner's top target is Larry Fitzgerald. After collecting 1,431 receiving yards in the regular season, Fitzgerald went for 101 and a spectacular TD against Atlanta. Fitzgerald has tremendous acceleration and body control. Anquan Boldin is a beast after the catch, but may be hampered by a hamstring injury. Steve Breaston is an excellent open-field runner.

Panthers on defense: Carolina has a top-notch linebacking duo in Jon Beason and Thomas Davis. Beason has rare versatility. He reads and reacts quickly. Beason can pressure the quarterback, hunt down ball carriers, or blow up a screen play - all on the same series. He is to be feared. Davis lives for collisions. A violent hitter with a surly attitude, Davis has good speed and will make plays all over the field. Julius Peppers (he's quick and instinctive) will collapse the pocket. Cornerbacks Chris Gamble (93 tackles, 3 INTs) and Ken Lucas (60 tackles, 2 INTs) are solid.

Panthers on offense: Carolina has a superb two-headed monster at tailback in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. The slippery and speedy Williams (1,515 yards) is fun to watch. The 5-foot-9-inch, 217-pounder has excellent acceleration, a million moves, and a nose for the end zone (18 TDs). He spins off defenders and rarely goes down on first contact. The 5-10, 235-pound Stewart (836 yards, 10 TDs) is more of a bruiser. Williams will wear down a defense before Stewart goes in for the knockout. Gutsy Jake Delhomme is the Carolina field general. Despite elbow woes, Delhomme still can make all the throws. He has good zip on intermediate routes and a deft touch on screens. Steve Smith is Option A at receiver. The compact, muscular Smith has rare explosiveness and is fearless over the middle. He has exceptional acceleration after the catch. Smith plays with a chip on his shoulder and leads the league in YAP yards (that's talking after the pass). Muhsin Muhammad (good speed, allergic to contact) collected 65 catches for 923 yards.

Cardinals on defense: Karlos Dansby and Chike Okeafor lead this hit parade. Dansby is smart and has good instincts. He deciphers plays quickly and is always around the ball. Okeafor gets off the ball quickly and is a relentless pursuer. Defensive backs Antrel Rolle (he's physical), Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (he's tough), Adrian Wilson (he's speedy), and Roderick Hood (he's explosive) are a solid group.

Special teams: Carolina kicker John Kasay is accurate and consistent, converting 28 of 31 field goals on the season, including a 50-yarder. The leftfooter will have momentary lapses of concentration, however, particularly in the playoffs (for more details, ask any Patriots fan) . . . Carolina's Jason Baker (44.1-yard average) has had three punts blocked . . . Mark Jones is Carolina's top returner, averaging 24 yards on kickoffs and 11.4 on punts . . . Breaston is an exceptional punt returner. He has solid hands, good vision, and excellent open-field moves . . . J.J. Arrington averaged 25.6 yards on 36 kickoff returns for Arizona, including one for a TD . . . The Cardinals' Neil Rackers has converted 25 of 28 FGs.

Miscellany: Tight end Stephen Spach (released earlier this season by the Patriots) is starting for the Cardinals and had a key third-down reception that helped ice the win over the Falcons . . . Only 10 Panthers remain from the team that lost to New England in Super Bowl XXXVIII.

Jim McBride