Panthers defense sleeping in game versus Giants

Carolina Panthers defense might have slept on the New York Giants

Although the Carolina Panthers defeated the New York Giants on Sunday, 38-35, the game for many Carolina Panthers’ fans was one where they were sitting on the edge of their seat for most of the fourth quarter.

Why you may ask?  Well, what has been the cornerstone of the Carolina Panthers this season, the defense, seemed to have fallen asleep after three quarters of play.

All year, the defense has come up big in a time of need, preventing the opponent from putting an end to the undefeated season the Panthers are on right now.

Think about it – just to name a few – Josh Norman making the interception versus the New Orleans Saints early in the season.  Thomas Davis intercepting Aaron Rodgers in the Green Bay game as it appeared the Packers were going to score late in the game.  Big plays made at big times to preserve a victory for the Panthers.

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However, versus the Giants, the defense of the Panthers started out strong, as it has all season, limiting the Giants to seven points through almost three quarters of play.

Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants tight end Will Tye (45) scores a touchdown against Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis (58) during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Giants 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

But, right about that time, Odell Beckham Jr. went off the deep end, more than he had all day, when he came in like a rocket and struck Josh Norman head-to-head.  Norman never saw it coming.

Luckily, Norman is fine and Beckham will be sitting out this week.

But, that seemed to rattle the defense of the Panthers, as all of a sudden, the tides turned.

With just over a minute to play in the third quarter and the Giants trailing 35-7, Eli Manning connected with Will Tye for a touchdown pass.

No big deal, right, Panther still were leading 35-14.

Well, that was not the case as all of a sudden the Giants looked like a wrecking ball, scoring 21 more consecutive points in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 35-35.

The defense of the Panthers gave up 28 straight points – unheard of for this team.

So what did Cam Newton do?  He put the team on his back and bailed the defense out, by leading the Panthers to the game-winning field goal.

Another example of true team play.