Panthers prepare game plan for high-scoring Cards

Anquan Boldin, who caught two TD passes against Carolina, had a 71-yard touchdown catch against Atlanta, but injured his left hamstring on the play. It's uncertain if he'll play this week.

Arizona has another receiving option, Steve Breaston, who had nine catches for 91 yards against the Panthers.

"We had good coverage, but those receivers are big and strong," Panthers linebacker Jon Beason said of the first meeting.

While Edgerrin James rushed for 73 yards against the Falcons, Arizona ranked last in the NFL in rushing in the regular season and managed only 50 yards on the ground in the first meeting with Carolina. James had only 17 yards and lost a fumble in Charlotte.

The Cards are a pass-first team, meaning Panthers cornerbacks Lucas, Chris Gamble and Richard Marshall and safeties Harris and rookie Charles Godfrey will be tested - often.

Lucas has become the target of opposing teams. Criticized for playing too far off receivers, Lucas has struggled to contain big receivers. Gamble, who signed a lucrative contract extension in November, has had one of his best seasons, but has dropped numerous potential interceptions. Marshall, the nickel back, has struggled with his tackling.

Godfrey, who has done an adequate job as a rookie starter, still makes occasional assignment mistakes. Harris, who had an NFL-high eight forced fumbles last season, had two this season and none since Week 2.

"I think we moved the ball up and down the field the way that we wanted to," Boldin said after the first meeting with Carolina. "We didn't feel like they had answers for us especially when we went four wide with the no huddle package."

The secondary would be helped if the Panthers can pressure Warner. Backup defensive end Charles Johnson had two sacks in the first meeting, but Carolina was frustrated by Warner's quick release. Julius Peppers, who had a career-best 14 1/2 sacks this season, was held to one quarterback hurry.

But the Panthers made a defensive play when it counted. Beason picked off Warner's deflected pass near the goal line early in the fourth quarter with the Panthers clinging to a 24-23 lead.

"It was a tough game for us," Beason said. "Second round of the playoffs, it's going to be a lot of fun."