The New York Giants will roll into Charlotte on Sunday with their backs against the wall following a tough 0-2 start to the 2013 NFL season. Fortunately their opponents, the Carolina Panthers, are 0-2 also with their head coach Ron Rivera on the hot seat.
A year ago, the Giants shellacked the Panthers in a 36-7 blowout led by a surprising performance from former Giants’ receiver Ramses Barden. He caught nine passes for 138 yards – both career highs for the then-fourth-year veteran. The win contributed to an early-season rally that included the Giants winning four of the next five games to start the season at 6-2.
Entering this game, the G-Men could use a similar pick me up, but putting up 36 points against this Panthers defense may not be quite as easy — both defenses are ranked 10th in the NFL , allowing just 18 points per game.
The Panthers have played two close games so far. They’re hoping that they can turn those narrow losses into big victories this Sunday against the Giants. Here’s a look at how the two teams match up…
Quarterbacks
The Giants’ Eli Manning has been sloppy, but he’s still among the better quarterbacks in the NFL. Cam Newton, on the other hand, is still trying to find some traction now in his third season with the Panthers.
If Manning turns the ball over like he has through two games, it doesn’t matter what the Giants do, they will lose. But it’s hard to believe he’ll be so careless with the football again. Plus, the Panthers don’t force a lot of turnovers; they have one interception this season and had 11 in all of 2012.
New York’s defense handled Newton handily in last season’s meeting. They eliminated the threat of him running the football (he gained six yards on six carries) and picked him off three times.
EDGE: Giants
Running Backs
The Giants are currently dead-last in rushing with 36.5 yards per game. It’s anyone’s guess how many carries each back on the roster will get and it won’t matter much if the offensive line doesn’t start blocking up front.
Carolina’s running game is sixth in the NFL, averaging 129.5 rushing yards per game with 4.5 yards per carry. Right now, DeAngelo Williams appears to be on top of his game and is seeing a lot of opportunities to gain positive yardage with the threat of Newton running on any play.
It’s tough to get behind the Giants’ ground attack right now.
EDGE: Panthers
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
There may not be a more talented group of receivers in the NFL than that of the Giants. Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and Rueben Randle have helped contribute to a league-leading 812 passing yards for Manning, and their 100-yard performances in Week 1 against the Cowboys was rather impressive. Against a shoddy Carolina secondary, they should be able to have another huge week.
EDGE: Giants
Offensive Line
The Panthers could improve in pass protection, but the Giants only look better on paper. Watching the film, it’s obvious the G-Men’s offensive line is a mess and are largely responsible for the offense’s struggles — namely Eli Manning’s NFL-leading seven interceptions.
The Giants’ inability to run block isn’t helping matters, which boosts the Panthers, who are among the league’s best at running the football right now. If the Giants can improve Sunday, it will be a huge step in the right direction. But right now, the offensive line is subpar.
EDGE: Panthers
Defensive Line
These two teams feature defensive lines that instill fear in opposing offenses. Unfortunately, the Panthers’ group is the only one playing up to the potential.
The Panthers haven’t racked up the sack totals, but their ability to generate a quality pass rush has given opposing quarterbacks some trouble to date. Manning will have his hands full once again, trying to perform well while avoiding the oncoming onslaught from Carolina.
The Giants, meanwhile, have received very little help from their front four. Defensive ends Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck have been average at best, with most of their pass rush coming from defensive tackles Linval Joseph and Cullen Jenkins. Opposing quarterbacks have sat comfortably in the pocket and the run game has come with ease.
EDGE: Panthers
Linebackers
Luke Kuechly.
EDGE: Panthers
Secondary
Neither team’s secondary is particularly impressive, but at least the Giants know how to force some turnovers. Cornerback Corey Webster is expected to sit for Big Blue, meaning Aaron Ross will get the start. If you want to know how much of a concern that should be, check out his snap count in last week’s loss t the Broncos: 0.
Still, fellow cornerback Prince Amukamara should lock down one half of the field, safety Antrel Rolle can make a play anywhere and slot corner Terrell Thomas is getting into a groove now as he enters his third game since 2010. Plus, there is not a noteworthy receiver on the Panthers’ roster.
Carolina doesn’t have the same fortune, faced with trying to silence the Giants’ trio of Cruz, Nicks and Randle.
EDGE: Giants
Special Teams
It’s David Wilson vs. Ted Ginn, Jr. in the return game. Special teams could play a major factor in the game’s outcome.
EDGE: Even
Coaching
Carolina head coach Ron Rivera is on the hot seat and every game is a must win from here forward. That’s a tough task with the high-powered Giants rolling into town.
This week, the Giants have some added motivation: they do not want to go 0-3 and Coach Coughlin’s brother passed away on Monday. That’s going to be a lot for Rivera and the Panthers to overcome, having scored just 30 points in two games — the Giants are averaging nearly as much (25) per game.
EDGE: Giants
Prediction: Giants 34, Panthers 13
Despite an advantage in many departments, I don’t see the Panthers showing up ready for the Giants team they’ll meet at Bank of America Stadium. Eli Manning getting back on track and a breakout performance by running back David Wilson would not surprise me. This could be a big-time blowout victory on the road for New York.
Louis Musto is a reporter and sports talk host for the Sports Journey Broadcast Network. He is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. All quotes were acquired first hand or via team press releases unless otherwise noted. You can follow him on Twitter @LouisMusto.