Patriots vs. Panthers: Top Storylines Going into Huge Week 11 Clash

Make sure you don't have any plans on Monday night, because the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers should be putting on an enthralling game of football.

Carolina is one of the hottest teams in the NFL, having won six of its last seven games. Getting a road victory against the San Francisco 49ers cemented the fact that the Panthers' winning streak is for real. They've become one of the best teams in the league.

And of course, the Pats are always in that category. Even with a ton of injuries, New England has a 7-2 record and sits atop the AFC East.

With an extra week to prepare, Bill Belichick has had plenty of time to figure out a game plan to end Carolina's hot streak. However, it may not be enough, as the Panthers have one of the best defenses in the league.

It should be a back-and-forth affair. These four storylines look to play a key role on how the game unfolds.

Which Cam Newton Will Show Up?

In some fans' minds, Cam Newton has been a disappointment this season. He hasn't put up gaudy passing numbers, and he's not running the ball as successfully as he did in his first two seasons in the league.

However, Newton has 13 touchdowns to eight interceptions, which would be his best touchdown-to-interception ratio ever, if the percentage holds. For the most part, Newton has avoided too many costly mistakes, while managing the game well and letting his defense take over.

As long as the Panthers keep winning, you can't begrudge Newton for taking more of a back seat.

You can't forget that abysmal Week 5 performance against the Arizona Cardinals, though. Newton had three interceptions and a fumble. Not coincidentally, Carolina lost, 22-6.

The Panthers can't afford to have Newton struggle that mightily again. If his team is to prevail, the third-year star will have to avoid giving the ball up to the defense. Newton doesn't have to throw for 300 yards and four touchdowns. He just needs to take care of the ball and move the chains.

Can the Carolina Defense Shut Down Tom Brady?

Tom Brady is on pace to have one of the worst seasons of his career. Of course, when Danny Amendola and Rob Gronkowski have played a combined eight games so far, you can't expect huge numbers from Brady to this point in the season.

Much like Newton, Brady won't have to be prolific in this game. The Patriots' running backs are good enough that they can supplement the passing game. The New England offense isn't one-dimensional.

But there's no doubting that the offense still goes through Brady. If he has a hard time, the Patriots will have a hard time.

In New England's seven wins this year, Brady has averaged 262 yards a game on 60.2 percent passing. All total, he has 13 touchdowns and four interceptions.

In New England's two losses, Brady has only averaged 212 yards a game on 47.6 percent passing, failing to throw a touchdown in either game and having two turnovers.

How Healthy Will Shane Vereen Be?

The status of Shane Vereen will be one of the intriguing storylines right up until game time. The third-year running back was hurt back in September but is finally eligible to return off injured reserve. As The Boston Globe's Ben Volin pointed out, there's a spot with Vereen's name on it.

ESPN Boston's Field Yates reported the Pats have until Monday to decide whether or not to activate the player.

Vereen had 101 yards rushing in that Week 1 win over the Buffalo Bills, when he suffered the injury.

Stevan Ridley and LeGarrette Blount have filled in well, but having Vereen back would be a nice boost to the Patriots offense. That's one more running back to wear down the Panthers defense and take pressure off Tom Brady.

Will the New England Offensive Live Protect the Passer?

The Panthers have one of the best front sevens in the league. They have the requisite talent necessary to have a stout defensive line and linebacking corps, and the combination of Ron Rivera and Sean McDermott know how to disrupt the opposing offense with well-timed blitzes, stunts or just straight-up four-man fronts.

The easiest way to negate Brady and the Patriots' passing game is to hit him in the pocket. A quarterback can't be successful if he can't get rid of the ball or is being hurried in the pocket.

Getting after the passer also lessens the prospects of picking up flags in the secondary. It's getting more difficult for corners and safeties, as they have to worry about flags for illegal touching and increased attention toward defenders leading with the head and hitting defenseless receivers.