Saturday, September 11, 2010

New York Giants vs. Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m. at New Meadowlands Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants runs with ball enroute to a touchdown in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers during the preseason NFL game at Giants Stadium on August 17, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
By Ben Kelly - InReeseWeTrust.com 9/11/10

What happened last time?

The Giants and Panthers faced off each of the past seasons, with both games played during week 16 at the Meadowlands. New York won in 2008 in a thrilling 34-28 overtime victory, featuring a strong running attack led by Derrick Ward’s 215 yards. Last season’s matchup told a different story. In their final home game in Giants Stadium, the Panthers pounded the Giants with a humiliating 41-9 loss and eliminated New York from the playoff race. Panthers’ quarterback Matt Moore impressed coaches in relief of injured veteran Jake Delhomme, and was named starter for the 2010 season in Carolina’s return to the Meadowlands. Carolina leads the head-to-head series 3-2.

What to expect from the Panthers:

For the first time in seven seasons, Carolina begins the year with a quarterback other than Jake Delhomme as its starter in Matt Moore. Moore is entering his fourth year with the Panthers after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2007. In five starts last year, Moore threw 8 touchdowns to 1 interception and posted a 4-1 record including wins over the Giants, Vikings and Saints.

Despite Moore’s success through the air, New York should expect a heavy dose of the run game through star running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Williams and Stewart are the only backfield teammates in history to each rush for 1000 yards in a season, accomplishing the feat last season. Carolina owned the 3rd best running attack in the NFL in 2009 compared with just the 27th best passing game.
Carolina is replacing six new starters from 2009’s 8th best defense, and must replace marquee end Julius Peppers and tackle Damione Lewis.

Head coach John Fox is entering the final year of contract and is widely rumored to be on the hot seat. Carolina finished 8-8 last season and third in the NFC South.

What to expect from the Giants:

The biggest battle of this game will be the Carolina run game against the Giants defensive line. New York’s defensive line is their greatest and deepest strength this season, featuring stars Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka, a healthy Chris Canty, and 1st and 2nd round rookie end Jason Pierre-Paul and tackle Linval Joseph. Barry Cofield also returns to anchor the middle of new coordinator Perry Fewell’s defense. If the Giants are looking to make a statement on defense, stuffing Carolina’s run game and testing Matt Moore’s ability to throw into tight windows will be key.

Prediction:

Eli Manning threw for over 4000 yards last season with a young corps of receivers, Additional practice and repetitions this offseason projects an explosive offense and sturdy ground game. Carolina’s inexperience at quarterback and defense will lead to big plays on both sides of the ball for the Giants. Look for the Giants to avenge last year’s heartbreaking finale with a 28-16 victory. 

New York Giants Road To a Championship: Week 1: Carolina Panthers

MINNEAPOLIS - DECEMBER 28:  Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants passes under pressure from Jared Allen #69 of the Minnesota Vikings on December 28, 2008 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
By Matt Biscaldi - Bleacher Report 9/11/10

Brandon Jacobs Is Still a Huge Part of New York Giants Offense

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 21:  Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants in action against  the Washington Redskinsduring their game on December 21, 2009 at Fedex Field in Landover, Maryland.  (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
By Chris Val - Bleacher Report 9/11/10

New York Giants: Brandon Jacobs Is Finally In His Proper Roll

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 21: Brandon Jacobs of the New York Giants yells from the sideline against the Pittsburgh Steelers during their preseason game at New Meadowlands Stadium on August 21, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
By Michael Fitzpatrick - Bleacher Report 9/11/10

Giants' Ross doubtful for tomorrow's opener

Giants' Ross doubtful for tomorrow's opener
A BOOT POINT: Giants cornerback Aaron Ross might miss the opener with a heel injury.
By Bart Hubbuch - NY Post 9/11/10

Giants' RB controversy continues

RUNNING AHMAD: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw slices through the Patriots during the preseason finale last week. He has been named the Giants' starter for Sunday's regular-season opener at New Meadowlands Stadium.
RUNNING AHMAD: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw slices through the Patriots during the preseason finale last week. He has been named the Giants' starter for Sunday's regular-season opener at New Meadowlands Stadium.
By Bart Hubbuch - NY Post 9/11/10

New York Giants players likely to discuss Saturday whether they'll have own show of union solidarity

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 9/11/10

New York Giants defense determined to stop Carolina Panthers running game at New Meadowlands Stadium

Charles Johnson Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants is chased down Charles Johnson #95 of the Carolina Panthers at Giants Stadium on December 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 9/11/10

Kenny Phillips on track to start opener

Giants safety Kenny Phillips
By Ohm Youngmisuk - ESPNNY.com 9/11/10

Giants season preview

Giants downplay revenge motive

Patriots Giants Football
Eli Manning hurt his head in the preseason, but his pride was bruised in a 41-9 loss to the Panthers last season.
By Darin Gantt - Charlotte Observer 9/11/10

Giants tight end Travis Beckum gets his shot, now must stay healthy

beckum.JPG
Travis Beckum makes a catch at Giants training camp last summer. The young tight end will have an expanded role this season with the Giants.
By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 9/11/10

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