For the second consecutive week, the New York Giants started slow offensively but made the proper adjustments at halftime. And for the second consecutive week, their defense stood strong for four quarters.
It wasn’t the most clean game but for a team that has struggled for roughly a decade, ugly wins are welcomed. And they won ugly on Sunday.
The win sends the Giants to 2-0 for the first time since 2016.
Final score: Giants 19, Panthers 16
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final | |
| Giants | 6 | 0 | 7 | 6 | 19 |
| Panthers | 0 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 16 |
Keys to the game
- Giants won the time of possession battle, 35:57 to 24:03.
- New York had two takeaways and no giveaways.
- Giants limited Carolina to just 129 total yards passing.
- Giants converted on 6/18 third downs and limited Carolina to 2/12.
It was over when...
Quarterback Daniel Jones took the snap on third-and-6 with just under 2:00 remaining and scrambled up the middle for an 11-yard gain and first down. With dwindling timeouts, the Panthers couldn’t stop the clock. The Giants went into victory formation and sealed the victory.
Players of the game
- K Graham Gano (4/4 FG, 1/1 PAT, 13 points)
- LB Oshane Ximines (2 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 PD, 1 QB hit, 1 sack)
- DT Dexter Lawrence (5 tackles, 1 QB hit)
Injuries
Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson cramped up with under 2:00 remaining in the second quarter but stayed n the game.
Midway through the third quarter, defensive lineman Leonard Williams went down and was tended to by trainers. He stayed down for a moment before walking off the field very gingerly and being helped to the locker room. He was later ruled out with a knee injury.
Early in the fourth quarter, wide receiver Sterling Shepard appeared to suffer from cramping and had to be stretched out by trainers. Fellow wide receiver Kadarius Toney also dealt with cramping issues.
What's next?
Giants head coach Brian Daboll will hold a Zoom call with the team’s beat writers on Monday afternoon before a few players are also made available.
The Giants will return to practice on Wednesday ahead of a Week 3 game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, September 26 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Kickoff is 8:15 pm. ET.
