By Michael Stewart/@TheTruthNYG
The Giants face a young Carolina Panthers (3-3) team that has lost three straight games and will be looking to get back on track against a Giants team that is spiraling downward at 1-5. Currently; the odds makers only have the Panthers with a 2.5 point favorites, but that could change before game time. Here are my top 5 ways the Giants can get a much needed win.
- Daniel Jones-VS-Sam Darnold: Both quarterbacks have had their ups and downs since being drafted and both will be under the microscope as they go head to head in a must win for both teams. Darnold played well enough against the Vikings to win and Jones suffered a setback with three interceptions against the Rams after suffering a concussion a week prior against the Cowboys. Jones needs to get back on track and out duel Darnold to give the Giants a chance at a victory.
- Giants Offense-VS-Carolina Defense: The Giants offense will be without RB Saquan Barkley for the 2nd straight week and could be without WR Kenny Golladay as his status is still unclear. The Panthers defense overall has been declining over the past few weeks, so we could see the Giants offense make a few big plays. However; can they make enough of them to make a difference?
- Giants Defense-VS-Carolina’s Offense: The Giants defense has been the biggest disappointment thus far and there’s no hope in sight allowing 137.2 yards per game on the ground and 264.2 through the air. The Panthers offense will be without their best offensive weapon in RB Christian McCaffrey, but should be able to still move the chains and get enough scoring chances against this Giants defense.
- Red Zone Efficiency: the Giants are dead last in red zone efficiency at 41.18% offensively; while the Panthers have a modest 61.90% efficiency rate. This one category could be the deciding factor as the Giants can’t settle for field goals; while allowing the Panthers to score touchdowns in this game.
- Turnovers: The Giants have a -1 in this department with the Panthers sitting at -4 thus far. On paper, this is clearly an advantage the Giants must capitalize on to get back on track.
The media and fan base has become hostile over the past two blowouts by the Giants and Head Coach Joe Judge must find a way to get this team motivated and ready to play this game against a Panthers team that is finding it hard to get their next win as well. Something has to give here and if the Giants want to salvage this 2021 season, it all starts this Sunday against the Panthers. In my pre-season predictions, I had the Giants victorious in this game and despite their struggles; they could pull off a victory against a struggling Panthers team. This should be a close match from start to finish, but in the end the Giants find a way to lose another one. Final Score: Panthers 23/Giants-17