New York Giants vs. Carolina Panthers
8:20 PM ET, September 20, 2012
Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
Coverage: NFL
Over the last 10 years, the Giants and the Panthers have faced off 6 times during the regular season and playoffs, with the series tied at 3 games apiece. They are usually very high scoring games, so you can expect a shoot-out in this one. Both of these teams lost their season opener but were able to come back and win at home in week 2. There are many things both teams need to address before they can think of standing out over the rest. The books opened this game with the defending Super Bowl Champions favored by 2 and the total set at 52.
The New York Giants are coming off one of the most horrible wins you could imagine. QB Eli Manning threw 3 picks in the first half against Tampa Bay with one returned for a touchdown. The defense could not seem to stop the third down, allowing the Buccaneers to complete 4 of 5. But as usual, the Giants heated up in the fourth quarter and came away with the win. Overall, for the season, Manning is 52 of 83 for 723 yards and 4 touchdowns while Ahmad Bradshaw has carried the ball 22 times for 94 yards and 1 score. The receiving tag team duo of Nicks and Cruz has a combined total of 31 catches for exactly 237 yards apiece and one trip to the end zone each. Unfortunately, until I see more consistency behind Eli, I see the Panthers taking this game from the Giants in a shoot-out. My play here is the dog but the best eye pleaser would have to be over the total. The score has been high in every game they have played. This one is going over.
The Carolina Panthers, who opened their season against the Buccaneers, lost in a bad fashion. They were unable to get anything going on offense while their defense was shredded on every play. They just did not seem ready to play. Against the Saints, it was a different team that showed up, with fire in their eyes and tore up the field. QB Cam Newton was the star. He completed 14 of his 20 passes for 253 yards with 1 passing and 1 rushing touchdown. Now as the Panthers prepare for New York as a 2 point underdog, they will look to accomplish the same thing. Getting out early and never looking back as their defense will be looked upon to really make a stand.
