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Carolina Panthers Strategy and Personnel

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Updated Dec 11, 2009 2:20 AM ET
     
 
Carolina cornerback Captain Munnerlyn is expected back this week and will play the nickel spot and return punts after missing last week's game with a concussion.

Also, with Tyler Brayton likely out this week with a concussion, look for Charles Johnson or rookie Everette Brown to get the start.

Johnson has missed the last three games with a pectoral sprain, but is expected to play. However, given the amount of time he's been out, the team could turn to the rookie Brown, especially against a passing team like the Patriots.



PLAYER NOTES

--QB Matt Moore is expected to start this Sunday against New England. He's 3-1 lifetime as a starter.

--FS Sherrod Martin has taken a backseat to Charles Godfrey, who has reclaimed his starting job after returning from an ankle injury. Godfrey started last week against the Bucs.

--DE Julius Peppers has 8.5 sacks and five forced fumbles and one interception return for a touchdown, yet you'd be hard-pressed to find someone in Charlotte who thinks he's been worth the $1 million per game the Panthers are playing his season. Still, look for Peppers to head to his fifth Pro Bowl this year.

--RB DeAngelo Williams is expected to start this week after missing last week with an ankle injury.

GAME PLAN: The Panthers will look to run the ball with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart in hopes of keeping Tom Brady off the field.

The Patriots are fifth against the run, so the Panthers will have a shot.

They just can't afford to fall behind this week because Matt Moore is still inexperienced and would have a tough time playing catch up in a hostile environment.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Panthers QB Matt Moore vs. Patriots secondary. Moore said this week he hopes to air it out a little more this week against the Patriots. Not so sure that's a great idea. Moore threw 20 times last week and it was enough for the Panthers to win. If Carolina wants to win, they'll need to run the ball effectively and control the clock.

Panthers RDE Julius Peppers vs. Patriots LT Matt Light. There is some speculation one of the teams Peppers wants to play for is the New England Patriots, so in some regards this could be an audition for him if he gets to free agency next year. Peppers seems on his way to another Pro Bowl, but impressing Bill Belichick wouldn't hurt his chances of eventually landing in New England if indeed that's where he wants to play.

INJURY IMPACT:

--WR Muhsin Muhammad returned to practice Thursday after taking a day off. He should play this week.

--DE Tyler Brayton may not play this week after sustaining a concussion last week. He has sat out both days of practice so far.

--WR Dwayne Jarrett should be back this week after missing last week with an ankle injury.

--QB Jake Delhomme did not practice for a second straight day and is not likely to play this week.

--DE Charles Johnson is expected to return this week after missing three weeks with a pectoral strain.

--CB Captain Munnerlyn will be back this week after sitting out last week with a concussion.

--LB Na'il Diggs was held out again Thursday with a lingering rib injury.
Tagged: Panthers

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