When the Patriots run

The transformation of the Patriots' offensive line from superior pass protectors to rugged run blockers has been impressive. Despite not having a workhorse in the backfield, the Patriots have put together one of the league's most solid rushing attacks. Sammy Morris is the leadoff hitter. A 6-foot, 220-pound fullback/tailback hybrid, Morris has displayed good vision and a quick first step.

He has shown the ability to bounce off would-be tacklers and push the pile. A healthy LaMont Jordan can punish a defense. Jordan has impressive speed for a 5-10, 230-pounder. He keeps his shoulders square and has tremendous lower-body strength. He breaks arm tackles and will hit the occasional home run. The versatile Kevin Faulk is one of the league's most productive players. He has quick feet, excellent vision, and the patience to let his blocks develop. His lack of size (5-8, 202) is actually an advantage, as defenders have a hard time getting clean shots at him. New England's blue-collar interior linemen will have to shed their initial blocks and get into the linebackers' legs to open lanes. Center Dan Koppen takes great angles and will knock tackles sideways before slugging linebackers. Right guard Stephen Neal uses balance to open holes, while blood-and-guts left guard Logan Mankins combines power and a nasty attitude. Linebackers Karlos Dansby and Gerald Hayes are Arizona's best run defenders.

When the Patriots pass

Matt Cassel may be missing one of his favorites today, and it's not Randy Moss or Wes Welker. Left tackle Matt Light, who helps protect Cassel's blind side, is nursing a sore shoulder and may be on the sideline. The Cardinals can bring pressure from multiple looks, and while there's no true sackmeister in the lineup, five players have at least three sacks, led by defensive end Bertrand Berry's five. Berry plays mostly on passing downs and has great recognition skills and a high-end motor. Tackle/end hybrid Darnell Dockett (6-4, 285) uses a quick first step to slide through gaps and get to the quarterback. Linebackers Karlos Dansby and Chike Okeafor will attack from the inside and outside. With foul weather expected, the Patriots will do most of their passing underneath (surprise, surprise), and that means another healthy dose of Welker. The scrappiest player in the league, the 5-9, 185-pound Welker just keeps producing. He has tremendous quickness, strong hands, and elite toughness. Cassel has done a great job of getting Welker the ball, showing good arm strength on quick darts and a deft touch on screens and flares. Cassel hasn't consistently shown he can hit the long ball, but with Moss (great acceleration, freakish body control) on his side, he has to keep trying. Arizona corners Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Roderick Hood will give up big plays. Ditto safeties Adrian Wilson and Antrel Rolle.

When the Cardinals run

The Cardinals' mentality is pass first, and run only when absolutely necessary. The carries are split between graybeard Edgerrin James and rookie Tim Hightower. James isn't the same explosive, powerful back he was in his salad days. James (6 feet, 220 pounds) has excellent vision but no longer can burst through holes. He still runs with great balance and will break tackles but won't run over defenders. He can't turn the corner anymore and never really had breakaway speed. The 6-foot, 216-pound Hightower is a powerful, between-the-tackles pounder who can wear down defenders. Because the Cardinals pass so much, it's tough for Hightower or James to get into a rhythm. Arizona's line is more athletic than powerful and struggles in run blocking. Center Lyle Sendlein is a decent tactician who delivers a quick initial pop but rarely gets to the second level. Sendlein will have trouble with the active Vince Wilfork, who has the quickness and strength to shed Sendlein quickly. Left guard Reggie Wells (6-4, 308) is a real load. He moves well but will get confused and miss obvious blocks. Mammoth right guard Deuce Lutui (6-4, 332 pounds) has great strength but has stamina issues and is often out of position. New England's rookie inside linebacker duo of Jerod Mayo (he has great recognition skills) and Gary Guyton (he has great speed) will be able to shoot gaps and disrupt the running game.

When the Cardinals pass

Kurt Warner has proven he still has the skills to be a productive NFL quarterback. Of course, it doesn't hurt that he has two of the league's elite receivers at his disposal. The 6-2, 218-pound Warner has a lightning-quick release, a deft touch, and will lead his receivers perfectly. He doesn't have elite arm strength, but his receivers are adept at picking up yards after the catch. Despite his veteran status, Warner still doesn't have great pocket presence. He often fails to feel the heat coming and will hold on to the ball too long, resulting in big hits and fumbles. Look for Mike Vrabel and Richard Seymour to overpower tackles Mike Gandy (he's strong but lacks mobility) and Levi Brown (he's quick but timid) and terrorize Warner. The top receiver in Warner's awesome stable is Larry Fitzgerald. The 6-3, 220-pounder is smooth, explosive, and runs precise routes. Fitzgerald has deceptive strength and can overpower smaller corners. He has great leaping ability and is a demon in the red zone and the end zone. Fitzgerald's running mate is the ultrastrong, ultratough Anquan Boldin, although he may not play today. A 6-1, 217-pound fearless monster, Boldin has great body control and hands. He is tremendous after the catch because he has the speed and moves to deke linebackers and the strength to overpower defensive backs. Steve Breaston has emerged as a great third option. He has good hands and explosive speed.