The Giants host the Panthers on Sunday trying to break a two-game losing streak and get their first home win of the season.
When the Panthers have the ball…
1. Sam Darnold started the season hot, completing 68% of his passes for 888 yards with three touchdowns and only one interception. The tables have turned in his last three games, however, with him completing only 54% of his passes for 685 yards with four touchdowns and six interceptions. He has great arm talent, can run with the football but has not been able to put all those skills together on a consistent basis.
Darnold's problems with turnovers in New York and at USC have continued in Carolina. According to Pro Football Focus, his 11 turnover worthy plays are the third-most in the NFL and his seven interceptions are tied for fourth. Seven of those turnover worthy plays and four of those interceptions have come when Darnold is under pressure. He is most accurate when attacking the middle of the field.
Darnold does have big play potential. PFF has tracked him for 12 big time throws this year, which is the ninth-most in the league. In the game-tying drive in the fourth quarter against the Vikings last week, he completed a beautiful pass over the middle to Ian Thomas for 41 yards and a deep pass on the sideline to DJ Moore for 25 yards. Those big plays came after Panthers receivers dropped eight passes on the day.
The Panthers have 21 completions of 20 or more yards this year (tied for 12th-most) and Darnold has a 111.5 passer rating on passes that travel 20+ yards in the air, which is the fifth-highest in the NFL. The upside is real.
Darnold is a good athlete that can navigate the pocket to avoid the rush - he has five rushing touchdowns. If defenses are not balanced, the Panthers will call designed runs for him inside the ten to put the ball in the end zone. Carolina ranks 17th in red zone touchdown rate.
2. The Panthers are allowing pressure on 39.5% of Sam Darnold's dropbacks, which is the 8th-highest rate in the NFL. Starting right tackle Taylor Moton is the team's best offensive linemen and has not allowed a sack.
Without star running back Christian McCaffrey, who was placed on injured reserve before last week's game, the Panthers have turned to rookie running back Chuba Hubbard. He has 281 rushing yards, but is only averaging 3.9-yards per carry. The Panthers most frequent run concept is outside zone, which they use more than a third of the time. Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said recently that he wants his team to get back to running the ball 30-35 times a game.
DJ Moore is the Panthers top wide receiver with more catches and yards than the team's next three wide receivers combined. He has 40 catches (tied for fourth in the NFL) for 513 yards (seventh) and three touchdowns. He's dangerous with the ball in his hands, and has 213 yards after the catch (fifth among WRs). He primarily lines up outside but does have 45 snaps in the slot. Rookie wide receiver Terrace Marshall missed Wednesday's practice with a concussion he suffered in Week 6.
3. Despite struggling on third downs (35%, 26th in the NFL), the Panthers are second in the league in time of possession, holding the ball for more than 33 minutes a game. The Panthers have particularly struggled in 3rd-and-short scenarios, converting just 48% of their attempts of fewer than four yards, which ranks 29th.. On the other hand, they are eighth with a 26.1% conversion rate on attempts of 10+ yards.
Keys for the Giants defense…
1. Force the Panthers into obvious throwing situations, such as 3rd-and-long
2. Pressure Sam Darnold in those scenarios with blitzes and stunts
3. Confuse Darnold with disguised coverages to force turnovers
View rare photos of the history between the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers.
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) is tackled by the Caroline Panthers' Chris Gamble (20) and Dan Morgan (55) after a one yard gain in the second quarter of their NFC wild card playoff football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. N.J., Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. (Julie Jacobson/AP Photos)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) is tackled by the Carolina Panthers' Dan Morgan (55) in the first quarter of their wild card playoff football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. (/AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
Carolina Panthers' quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) is sacked by the New York Giants' Michael Strahan (92) for an eight yard loss in the second quarter of their NFC wild card playoff football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. N.J., Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. (Kathy Willens/AP Photos)
New York Giants' Plaxico Burress (17) catches a touchdown pass as Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) defends during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) runs through the line for a short gain during the Giants' 27-13 win over the Carolina Panthers in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. Barber went over 10,000 career yards rushing in the second quarter on the way to his fifth 100-yard game of the season. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
New York Giants' Gibril Wilson (28) reaches out to intercept a pass intended for Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) as New York Giants' R.W. McQuarters (25) defends during the third quarter of the Giants' 27-13 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' R.W. McQuarters (25) knocks a pass away from Carolina Panthers' Drew Carter (18) during the fourth quarter of the Giants' 27-13 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) runs past Carolina Panthers' Na'il Diggs (53) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Chris Weinke, left, throws a pass under pressure from New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora, right, during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs, center, barrels past Carolina Panthers linebacker Na'il Diggs, left, and Thomas Davis, right, during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) gains some of the 82 yards he contributed to the Giants final scoring drive that helped them score the winning touchdown in the Giants 34-28 overtime victory over the Carolina Panthers in their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Dec. 22, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning fakes a handoff to Madison Hedgecock during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) drives over Carolina Panthers linebacker Na'il Diggs (53) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Giants' Madison Hedgecock (39) blocks on the play. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) breaks across the line as New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) drops back for a pass during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play in the first quarter of the Giants NFL football victory over the Carolina Panthers at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) runs for 13 yards past Carolina Panthers safety Chris Harris (43) during a Giants scoring drive in the Giants' 34-28 overtime victory in an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward, left, runs for a 34-yard gain while chased by Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward runs for a 51-yard gain while chased by Carolina Panthers' Ken Lucas during overtime of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 34-28. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward runs for a 51-yard gain while chased by Carolina Panthers, from left, Chris Harris, Thomas Davis, Na'il Diggs and Jon Beason (52) in overtime of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 34-28. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) breaks a tackle from Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) in the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants go up against the Carolina Panthers during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday December 27th, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants linebacker Michael Boley (52) celebrates a tackle against the Carolina Panthers during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday December 27th, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive lineman Mathias Kiwanuka (94) looks to defend a pass against the Carolina Panthers during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday December 27th, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive lineman Chris Canty (99) applies pressure against the Carolina Panthers during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday December 27th, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) runs past Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass as he is rushed by Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants cornerback Bruce Johnson (25) defends Carolina Panthers' Muhsin Muhammad (87) in the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a pass as he is defended by Carolina Panthers' Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a third quarter touchdown pass that gives the Giants a 24-16 lead while covered by Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) rushes during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a third quarter touchdown pass that gives the Giants a 24-16 lead while covered by Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen (02) gets hit by New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) rushes during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a touchdown pass that gives the Giants a 14-9 lead while covered by Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a tip toe sideline pass while covered by Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Richard Marshall (31) tackles New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Carolina Panthers' Matt Moore (3) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips (21) intercepts a pass to Carolina Panthers' Gary Barnidge (82), over Giants' Jonathan Goff (54) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. The Giants won 31-18. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks over the defense during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants safety Deon Grant (34) intercepts a pass as teammate Kenny Phillips (21) and Carolina Panthers tight end Gary Barnidge (82) look on during an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers face off at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) is tackled during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore, right, avoids a sack by New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
Carolina Panthers' Matt Moore (3) fumbles as he is sacked by New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. Carolina recovered the ball. The Giants won 31-18. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants safety Deon Grant (34) intercepts a pass as teammate Kenny Phillips (21) and Carolina Panthers tight end Gary Barnidge (82) look on during an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams (34) is tackled by New York Giants' Barry Cofield (96) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. Moore fumbled, but Carolina recovered. The Giants won 31-18. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) celebrates with teammate Ahmad Bradshaw as Carolina Panthers' Sherrod Martin (23) walks away during the second quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants safety Deon Grant (34) intercepts a pass as teammate Kenny Phillips (21) and Carolina Panthers tight end Gary Barnidge (82) look on during an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Martellus Bennett (85) catches a touchdown pass past Carolina Panthers safety Charles Godfrey (30) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during a week 3 Thursday night football game on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) tries to break a tackle in an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers Thursday, September 20, 2012, in Charlotte, NC. (AP Photo/Margaret Bowles)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during a week 3 Thursday night football game on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Andre Brown (35) starts his run as Carolina Panthers' Frank Alexander (90) pushes away from New York Giants' Will Beatty (65) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants cornerback Jayron Hosley (28) intercepts a pass intended for Carolina Panthers wide receiver Brandon LaFell (11) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants linebacker Spencer Paysinger (52) strips Carolina Panther Joe Adams (15) during a week 3 Thursday night football game against the Carolina Panthers on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) tackles Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during a week 3 Thursday night football game against the Carolina Panthers on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Andre Brown (35) runs past Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly (59) and Charles Godfrey (30) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Andre Brown (35) gets some help from teammate, Henry Hynoski (45) as he muscles over Carolina Panthers' Chris Gamble (20) and Luke Kuechly (59) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) scrambles for a gain against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during a week 3 Thursday night football game on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs after a catch as Carolina Panthers linebackers Jon Beason (52) and James Anderson (50) defend during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants defensive back Stevie Brown (27) is tackled by Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) after interception a throw during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Jay Bromley (96) tackles Carolina Panthers' Fozzy Whittaker (43) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Kerry Wynn (72), Jasper Brinkley (53) and Cullen Jenkins (99) tackle Carolina Panthers' Mike Tolbert (35) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Carolina Panthers' Kurt Coleman (20) tackles New York Giants' Andre Williams (44) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Rashad Jennings (23) breaks a tackle by Carolina Panthers' Kurt Coleman (20) and Josh Norman (24) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) scores a touchdown in front of Carolina Panthers' Roman Harper (41) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Will Tye (45) scores a touchdown as Carolina Panthers' Thomas Davis (58) tackles him during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Shane Vereen (34) gets up after being tackled by Carolina Panthers' Roman Harper (41) in the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) runs for a touchdown as Carolina Panthers' Roman Harper (41) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) is tackled by Carolina Panthers' Roman Harper (41) as Thomas Davis (58) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) scrambles as Carolina Panthers' David Mayo (55) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Jason E. Miczek)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (Tom DiPace via AP)
in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Carolina Panthers' Mike Adams (29) in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Carolina Panthers' Mario Addison (97) in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) runs after a catch against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
The Carolina Panthers line up against the New York Giants in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Jason E. Miczek)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Carolina Panthers' Jermaine Carter (56) for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Carolina Panthers' Wes Horton (96) in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers' Jermaine Carter (56) in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) is upended by Carolina Panthers' James Bradberry (24) in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs against the Carolina Panthers the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates a sack during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Leonard Williams (99), Azeez Ojulari (51)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Daniel Jones (8)
Leonard Williams (99)
Daniel Jones (8)
Leonard Williams (99)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) chases Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during a week 7 football game on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Azeez Ojulari (51)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) catches a pass in front of Carolina Panthers' Sean Chandler (34) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Cor'Dale Flott (28), Adoree' Jackson (22)
Cor'Dale Flott (28), Adoree' Jackson (22), Oshane Ximines (53)
Jihad Ward (55)
Dane Belton (24)
When the Giants have the ball
4. The Panthers defense is FAST and it starts on the edge. On passing downs, they will line up Brian Burns and Haason Reddick on either end of the line of scrimmage and let them chase the quarterback. Reddick is undersized at 6'1 and 235, but he has 6.5 sacks, 9 quarterback hits and 17 total pressures. When he played with the Cardinals against the Giants last year, he had five sacks.
According to PFF, Burns has 20 total pressures including three sacks and five quarterback hits. At 6'5 and 250, he has long arms and the agility to get skinny and bend the edge.
Overall, the Panthers are tied for sixth in the NFL with 16 sacks, and they are fifth in sack rate. Their pressure rate is in the middle of the league (34%). The Panthers get their sacks by bringing extra rushers. They blitz just over 38% of the time, which is the second-highest rate in the NFL (behind Tampa Bay). They do not run a lot of stunts and twists.
Reddick and Burns get help from defensive linemen Morgan Fox (14 pressures), DaQuan Jones (10), and second-year pro Derrick Brown (10). Fellow second-year pro Yetur Gross-Matos is getting about 10 snaps per game as a rusher. Safety Jeremy Chinn and linebackers Shaq Thompson, Jermaine Carter, and Frankie Luvu have been effective blitzers.
The Panthers' speed extends to the linebacker position where Shaq Thompson (6'0, 230) and Jermaine Carter (6'0, 225) run sideline-to-sideline and attack the line of scrimmage. Thompson has missed the last two weeks with a foot injury. He missed practice on Wednesday.
5. The Panthers have one of the best defenses in the league because of their ability to stop the pass. They are among the most efficient three teams in pass yards allowed per game (196.8, second) and pass yards allowed per play (6.09, third). Their third-down defense is second (29.6% conversion rate) and they allow the third-fewest first downs per game in the league.
Fifth-round pick Keith Taylor (6'3, 195) has stepped in for Jaycee Horn (broken foot), across from Donte Jackson. Veteran AJ Bouye has spent a lot of time in the slot, and there's a chance recently acquired Stephon Gilmore could see his first action of the season at cornerback. Former first round pick CJ Henderson is recovering from a shoulder injury and could also see time outside.
Jeremy Chinn is the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year and leads the team in tackles (30) to go along with two passes defended and two quarterback hits. He spends most of his time near the line of scrimmage while former Giants Sean Chandler plays deep safety.
If the Panthers' defense has a persistent issue it is against the run. They allow 115 rush yards per game (15th) and 4.68 yards per rush play (27th). Derrick Brown is their best interior defensive lineman. The seventh overall pick in the 2020 draft has 13 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, two quarterback hits and 10 total pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.
Keys for the Giants' offense:
1. Protect Daniel Jones from the Panthers' blitz and edge rushers, with help from backs and tight ends
2. Use play-action on early downs to make chunk plays against base defenses
3. Move the ball successfully on early downs to avoid 3rd-and-long scenarios
View photos of the Carolina Panthers likely starters ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Giants at MetLife Stadium.
HC Matt Rhule
OC Joe Brady
Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Phil Snow chats with Detroit Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach (48) prior to an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
STC Chase Blackburn
QB Sam Darnold
RB Chuba Hubbard
WR DJ Moore
WR Robby Anderson
TE Ian Thomas
TE Tommy Tremble
LT Cameron Erving
LG Dennis Daley
C Matt Paradis
OG John Miller
RT Taylor Moton
DE Brian Burns
DT Derrick Brown
DT DaQuan Jones
DE Morgan Fox
LOLB Shaq Thompson
MLB Jermaine Carter
ROLB Haason Reddick
CB Donte Jackson
CB A.J. Bouye
SS Jeremy Chinn
FS Sean Chandler
P Ryan Winslow
K Zane Gonzalez
LS J.J. Jansen
H Ryan Winslow
KR Chuba Hubbard
PR Alex Erickson
Tickets for Marvel Super Heroâ„¢ Day
Limited tickets are available for Marvel Super Heroâ„¢ Day on October 24th vs. Panthers
