4 critical observations from Panthers unacceptable Week 2 loss at Giants
By Luke Gray
What were the critical observations from another unacceptable loss for the Carolina Panthers in Week 2 at the New York Giants?
For the second season in a row, Matt Rhule led the Carolina Panthers into MetLife Stadium to face the New York Giants in a must-win game for the team. While Sunday’s loss was not as embarrassing as last season’s 25-3 reverse, the 19-16 score at the hands of Daniel Jones might the beginning of the end for the former Baylor man.
Carolina’s defense improved from a week ago, holding star running back Saquon Barkley to just 72 rushing yards. But the inability to create takeaways and get off the field on third down proved telling to the overall outcome.
When Jones sidestepped the onrushing Henry Anderson and scrambled for the first down, it put the nail in the Panthers’ coffin. It also condemned them to an 0-2 start and a ninth-straight loss dating back to last season.
This was a game the Panthers had no business losing. Facing a Giants defense down both its starting edge rushers and also missing its number two corner, Carolina’s offense was stale generating just 275 total yards as we once again saw the hot and cold of quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Where the Panthers go from here is anyone’s guess. Here are four critical observations from the game now that the dust has settled.