Into the mystique: for the Panthers to make a dent in the Patriots' vaunted defense, they must overcome not only its intricate schemes but its aura.(Super Bowl Preview)(Florida Panthers; New England Patriots)

It was the perfect call at the proper time. Tennessee had just recovered a fumble at midfield late in the third quarter of its playoff game against the Patriots. With the score tied at 14, the Titans decided to attempt a quick strike off a trick pass from tight end Frank Wycheck to receiver Drew Bennett. With New England's attacking defense in its most aggressive mode, the play should have been a winner. But it wasn't. And its collapse illustrates in a few stunning seconds the wrenching task facing quarterback Jake Delhomme and the Panthers in Super Bowl 38.

The Titans lined up with two receivers split to each side and Wycheck in the slot to the right. Linebacker ...