Carolina Panthers Week 5 keys to victory over the New York Giants
Limit Saquon Barkley
The Giants rookie running back has transitioned well into his role as the feature back for New York. Accumulating over 100-plus yards from scrimmage in each game so far, Barkley has shown he can aid the Giants both through the air and on the ground.
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Carolina struggled with a similar rookie running back last season in the Saints Alvin Kamara. Over three games, Kamara scored four touchdowns while rushing for 120 yards and adding 81 yards via the pass. A breakdown against the Giants rookie could result in big plays and a bad day for the Carolina defense.
In order to win, the Panthers must stop Barkley at the line of scrimmage and not allow him any open space to operate. Easier said than done, the Panthers defensive line may be forced to limit their pass rush in an effort to assist the linebackers in creating opportunities for them to be successful at the point of attack.
Last week New York abandoned the run game giving Barkley only five carries in the second half, including a one-yard touchdown. The Panthers can expect a heavy dose of Barkley early with a few down the field passes mixed in to test the vulnerability of a Carolina defense hoping to contain Manning and the Giants weapons.
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The Panthers and Giants kick off on Sunday, October 7 at 1:00pm ET.