Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
TV Schedule: Sunday, Sept. 22, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX
Stadium: Bank of America Stadium
Weather: Low 60, High 78
Line: Carolina (-1)
It’s just two weeks into the season and everyone is wondering, what is wrong with the New York Giants? The Giants are 0-2 and have looked just awful through the first two weeks of the season, especially when Eli Manning has thrown two more interceptions, seven, than he has touchdowns, five, this season. Manning hasn’t had much help, however, as the run game is the worst in the NFL — yes, even worse than the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 32nd ranked rushing attack with 36.5 yards per game is due, in large part, to the lack of success of David Wilson. It has gotten so bad that the team has signed Brandon Jacobs back to the team after week one. Good thing for Manning, though, is that he has Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks to throw to.
The Carolina Panthers are sitting at 0-2 following a heartbreaking last-second loss in week two against the Buffalo Bills. Cam Newton was named a captain prior to the season, but has struggled a bit to start 2013. Passing for just 354 yards and rushing for just 53 yards hasn’t helped the Panthers, especially when he only has three touchdowns combined through two weeks. However, the Panthers are third in the league in rushing yards because of DeAngelo Williams‘ 171 yards on 39 carries. This offense is averaging just 15 points per game, but any offense will look bad against the Seattle Seahawks who they faced in week one.
Defensively, the Panthers have a below average squad. In fact, it ranks in the bottom half of the league in points against, passing yards against, rushing yards against and total yards. Facing the solid passing attack of Eli Manning will be tough for this eighth-ranked unit in the NFC. The Giants, on the other hand, rank in the bottom half of teams in pass yards allowed and rush yards allowed. Cam Newton could finally have a breakout game.
PREDICTION: Giants 28, Panthers 24
Related: Giants: 5 Improvements They Can Make
Ron Rivera’s Drafting the Reason for Panthers’ Woes
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at .
