What were some quick thoughts to take from the Carolina Panthers’ performance at the New York York Giants in Week 2 of the 2022 season?
The increased pressure on Matt Rhule and the Carolina Panthers during game Week 2 was palpable. An eighth-straight loss to open their campaign against the Cleveland Browns piled yet more misery on the head coach, which meant a must-win scenario faced the organization at the New York Giants.
Any further complications would not be well received by the fanbase. Carolina has tasted victory just twice over the last 15 games, which isn’t the best indicator that things are trending in the right direction under the Panthers’ current regime.
The Giants were high in confidence after an impressive triumph at the Tennessee Titans, although they were without some key personnel for the clash. This was not enough, with Carolina coming up short to fall to 0-2.
With this in mind, here are 10 quick thoughts on Carolina’s defeat at the Giants.
Quick Thoughts on the Carolina Panthers loss at Giants in Week 2
Carolina Panthers got off to the worst possible start
Talk about deflating an already precarious situation.
The Carolina Panthers fumbled not once – but twice – in the opening five minutes. Chuba Hubbard gave the ball away straight from the kick-off and on the very next drive, Robbie Anderson coughed it up on a 3rd-and-22 when there was no chance of moving the chains.
New York managed to attain six points from these turnovers thanks to some outstanding stops from Carolina’s defense. So in all honesty, it could have been a lot worse.
Carolina Panthers’ defense was on the front foot early
After a humbling Week 1 performance against the Cleveland Browns, it was clear that the Carolina Panthers’ defense had a big point to prove at the New York Giants. Phil Snow’s men imposed their will early and often, which continued throughout the first half during a dominant display overall.
Frankie Luvu, Brian Burns, and Derrick Brown were just three notable contributors. An impressive turnaround from a group that came into the contest with far more questions than answers after getting blown up by Nick Chubb and the Browns.
Missed opportunities for the Carolina Panthers
It took a little time for the offense to get going. But the Panthers left some points out on the field by failing to turn red-zone trips into touchdowns in the second quarter.
Although it allowed Carolina to level things up after two field goals of their own, this has been a problem for some time and needs to change if the Panthers want to get themselves out of their current predicament.
Carolina Panthers emerged from the first half positively
As stated previously, the Panthers could have been in a far worse spot at half-time. It wasn’t perfect by any means, but for them to still be in the game is a testament to their resolve when it looked as if things might get away from them.
Carolina will take encouragement in any shape or form right now. Having the chance to make adjustments at the break level pegging was a positive step for a team that was mistake-ridden from the outset.
Carolina Panthers must stop dropping Brian Burns in coverage
Considering how low the Carolina Panthers are of reliable pass-rushing options, for defensive coordinator Phil Snow to be dropping his best weapon in this crucial area into coverage is unacceptable.
Brian Burns was wreaking havoc on rookie right tackle Evan Neal. But Snow’s insistence to have him assist in pass defense was bemusing and frustrating in equal measure.
Something that needs to be removed from the defensive game plan immediately.
Rough afternoon for Shi Smith
After being declared healthy enough to participate, Shi Smith’s contribution wasn’t what the Panthers were hoping for from their No. 3 wideout. The former sixth-round pick had a couple of key drops throughout the contest and could have made more from a wide-open look that was a little overthrown by Baker Mayfield in the third quarter.
Just how much his indifferent performance was down to injury is debatable. However, one reception from six targets for two receiving yards is not going to cut it.
Carolina Panthers’ offense struggled on 3rd down
Third-down conversions weren’t up to the required standard for a second-straight week. The Panthers didn’t manage to find the right solutions to this ongoing problem, which resulted in just two successful conversions from 12 attempts.
This should hopefully improve the more familiar Baker Mayfield and his pass-catchers become. But the Panthers cannot afford this to go on for much longer given the strength of teams upcoming on the schedule.
Carolina Panthers got a mixed bag from Baker Mayfield
It was another mixed bag from Baker Mayfield at the New York Giants. Although his consistency protecting the football was much improved and the quarterback looked more comfortable under center in the face of an inferior pass-rush.
Mayfield had some nice moments, for sure. But he couldn’t get it done late and is now staring down the barrel with the Panthers at 0-2.
Ikem Ekwonu made mistakes in key moments
After getting a baptism of fire from Myles Garrett in Week 1, it was another difficult afternoon for Ikem Ekwonu at the Giants. Overall, the No. 6 selection looked the part, but some critical mistakes in key moments cost the Panthers in a big way.
Whether it was an offside call on fourth down or two sacks conceded, Ekwonu has to learn quickly that the finest margins make a significant difference at the next level.
Carolina Panthers now have a long road ahead
A ninth-straight loss for the Panthers. Another game that got away from them late on.
This has been the tale of the tape throughout Matt Rhule’s time as head coach. Looking at the schedule, things aren’t going to get better any time soon.
It already looks like a long season ahead for Carolina. Just how they can turn things around is anyone’s guess.