4 reasons the Carolina Panthers will beat NY Giants in Week 2
By Luke Gray
Baker Mayfield can build on some positive momentum
The one positive from such a heartbreaking loss in Week 1 was the turnaround on offense. After just seven points through three quarters, Baker Mayfield led the Carolina Panthers on three consecutive scoring drives to the tune of 17 points, securing a perfect passer rating in the fourth quarter.
This high level of play is something that the former Heisman Trophy winner will be keen to put together for an entire game. The Cleveland Browns defense the Panthers saw a week ago is arguably one of the league’s best units, so the quarterback is sure to welcome a meeting with the New York Giants after a tough, emotional test.
As mentioned earlier, the Giants’ defense is dealing with a lot of injuries, especially to its pass-rush and within the secondary. So look for offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo to take advantage of that.
While D.J. Moore has a tough assignment against 2017 first-round pick Adoree’ Jackson. But after being matched up against the NFL’s second-highest paid cornerback a week ago in Denzel Ward, expect the Maryland product to still get a decent target share.
New York’s cornerback room is looking thin. Providing the offensive line holds up, expect Mayfield to spread the ball around. After notching up more than 100 receiving yards in Week 1, don’t be surprised to see Robbie Anderson have another big game back at his old stomping ground.