CB Allen in the crosshairs

Updated: January 7, 2006, 10:28 AM ET
Scouts Inc.
The Giants and Panthersdid not meet during the regular season, but this is sure to be a physical battle that will hinge on both teams' running attacks and which quarterback can avoid the big mistake. The key will be finding the right matchups. Here is a look at five key matchups to watch in this game:

Complete advance scouting report

Carolina ROT Jordan Gross vs. New York LDE Michael Strahan
Gross will likely come in with a chip on his shoulder, as he feels that he was snubbed in the Pro Bowl balloting. Strahan is a future Hall of Fame DE who has made even great OTs look bad. Gross has more athletic ability than true power and is more suited as a LOT than ROT. Strahan can beat his opponent with quickness and with power, but he will go to the power game this week, and he'll have a clear advantage. Strahan will use his club and bull rush to try to walk Gross back into the QB. Gross must play with excellent knee bend and try to anchor down vs. Strahan's power-rush moves. Gross will try to use his arm length to force Strahan wide. If the interior of the Panthers' line takes care of business up front, it should allow QB Jake Delhomme the ability to step up into the pocket and deliver the ball with solid accuracy.


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