4 reasons the Carolina Panthers will beat NY Giants in Week 2
By Luke Gray
Carolina Panthers have a superior roster
When you break it down, the Carolina Panthers have a far superior roster than Sunday’s opponent and on paper. However, football isn’t played on paper and as the New York Giants showed during the corresponding fixture in 2021, they are not a team to be taken likely.
But when you break down the rosters, it’s the visiting team who seems to possess the more talented squad. The Giants arguably possess the hottest player in the league right now in Saquon Barkley, who looked like the player of old in Nashville.
Similarly to Carolina’s star running back, Barkley has been plagued with injuries since being drafted No. 2 overall in 2018. After starting his career with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, the following two campaigns produced just 15 games and under 650 rushing yards.
It’s on the defensive side of the ball where you see a potential gulf in quality. The Giants’ defensive unit is ravaged by injuries, with starting cornerback Aaron Robinson set to miss Sunday’s clash after having his appendix removed.
New York is also dealing with injuries to both their starting edge rushers. First-round pick Kayon Thibodeaux and 2021 second-rounder Azeez Ojulari are both doubtful for the clash, which would be a significant boost to the Panthers’ chances.
This is a game where the Panthers must make better talent count. A fast start is vital to assuring dominance is asserted on the road within what should be a hostile atmosphere.