Pats vs. Panthers in Super Bowl

PHILADELPHIA -- The Carolina Panthers made sure their stunning run to the Super Bowl wasn't stopped by a Philadelphia team flopping at the final hurdle.\nWhile the Panthers are headed to their first Super Bowl after a dominating 14-3 victory in the NFC championship game Sunday night, the Eagles fell one win short of the big game for the third straight year.\nSuper Bowl XXXVIII between the Panthers and Patriots will be played Feb. 1 in Houston.\nNow Carolina (14-5) is the NFC's best, and will take on New England in Houston Feb. 1. The Patriots, who beat Indianapolis 24-14 earlier Sunday, won the Super Bowl two years ago, when the Panthers were the NFL's worst team.\n"It has been a long ride," said receiver Muhsin Muhammad, who caught a 24-yard touchdown pass. "There have been a lot of good moments, as well as some bad moments. This has to be the best moment yet."\nThere have been many nice memories in these playoffs -- from a lopsided wild-card victory over Dallas, to a thrilling double-overtime win at St. Louis ending the Rams' 14-game home winning streak.