NEW YORK GIANTS TRAVEL TO CAROLINA TO FACE THE PANTHERS ON THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Thursday begins the third week of the young NFL season as the New York Giants (1-1) hit the road to take on the Carolina Panthers (1-1). Eli Manning passed for over 500 yards in yet another 4th quarter comeback against the Bucs on Sunday to get their first win of the season. The Panthers also won their first game of the year by downing the New Orleans Saints. Time to discuss the matchup.
After two weeks of NFL football, we are beginning to see where the teams are placing. However, these two teams have more questions then answers. The New York Giant defense was supposed to be the main strength of this football team this year, but they haven't played to that level as of yet. The Giant defense is ranked 18th, but they are giving up 29 points per game. Besides the 4th quarter of last week's game, the New York offense has struggled. The Tamp Bay offense gave the yardage to Manning, at the least a large portion of the 500 yards.
Despite all the trouble with this team, you can't doubt their ability to play big when it counts. When the game was on the line last week, the defense stood tall and Eli put points on the board. It will be interesting to see what the Giant front seven will do against one of the best rushing teams in the NFL. Not only that, the Panthers can throw the ball as well. The Giants are better on the road then they are at home. They have showed this for the past few seasons. In a tough division, a 1-2 record is something to worry about.
The Carolina Panthers won a shoot out last Sunday against the Saints and improved on their week one performance. Before the beginning of the season, everyone questioned this defense. With all the additions, we figured that this defense would be solid. The Panther defense is ranked 19th, but only allowing 21 points per contest, way less then the Giants. We can compare the Giants and Panthers because both of them played Tampa Bay already. The Giants won against the Bucs and the Panthers lost. The Panther defense has played solid, but the secondary is suspect. This defense will have their hands full with Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks, whom both have 237 yards receiving in two games.
The Carolina offense depends on the arm and legs of sophomore stud Cam Newton. The offense has struggled this season running the ball as Newton is the leading rusher through 2 games with 75 yards. Carolina will always keep the defense honest because of Newton's running abilities, but they have to establish a running attack. But until the offensive line opens holes, I don't see it coming.
Newton has been solid in his first two starts. Newton is completing 70% of his passes for 556 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. His big target yet again is Steve Smith, who has caught 10 passed for 210 yards. Brandon LaFell has been a surprise at the wideout, catching 9 balls for 155 yards and a touchdown. The Panther offense will be challenged by a Giant defense that played lights out in the 2nd half of their last game. But with a short week, anything is possible.
NEW YORK 24 CAROLINA 19
The Giants are one of the NFL's best road teams and expect no difference on Thursday Night Football. More times then not, the Giants find a way to win, especially when it counts the most. The best thing Carolina could do is get out to a fast start. The Panthers are no walk over and they have the ability to put up points. However, their weakness is still on the defensive side of the ball. Carolina can guard Eli nor his top two receivers. Carolina will keep it close, but the Giants pull off the road win.
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