The New York Giants (1-0) host the Carolina Panthers (0-1) at MetLife Stadium this coming Sunday afternoon.
The Giants won their opener on the road, 21-20, against the Tennessee Titans, their first Kickoff Weekend win since 2016 and only their second since 2011.
The Panthers lost their opener at home, 26-24, to the Cleveland Browns. Two questionable calls in the final minute by the officials gave the Browns an opportunity to win the game.
Here are five things to know about Sunday’s matchup.
The series
Sunday will be the 13th meeting between the two teams since the Panthers joined the NFL as an expansion franchise in 1995. The Panthers lead the regular season series, 6-5, and won the only playoff meeting between the two teams in 2005.
The Giants won the last meeting, 25-3, at MetLife Stadium last October 24.
Saquon vs McCaffrey
Giants running back Saquon Barkley (ankle) and the Panthers’ Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) did not play in last year’s contest due to injury.
This game will be the second meeting between the two former yards from scrimmage leaders. The first was in 2018. The Panthers won, 33-31, on a last-second, 63-yard field goal by Graham Gano, who is now with the Giants.
Barkley rushed for 48 yards and caught four passes for 81 more, two which went for touchdowns.
McCaffrey rushed for 58 yards and caught five passes for 35 yards and a touchdown.
Baker Mayfield vs. the Giants
Baker Mayfield has faced the Giants just once since he entered the league as the No. 1 selection in the 2018 NFL draft (taken one pick ahead of Barkley). It was in 2020 with the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium.
Mayfield led the Browns to a 20-6 victory, throwing for 297 yards on 27-of-32 passing with two touchdowns. The Giants started Colt McCoy at quarterback in that game in place of the injured Daniel Jones.
Who are these Panthers?
Outside of McCaffrey and Mayfield on offense, the Panthers have wide receivers D.J. Moore and Robbie Anderson. Their first-round pick, Ikem Ikwonu, is starting at left tackle. Ikwonu was selected 6th overall, in-between the Giants’ two first round picks.
On defense, the Panthers are led by edge rusher Brian Burns, linebacker Shaq Thompson, safety Jeremy Chinn and cornerback Jaycee Horn.
Key connections
The Panthers have several coaches on their staff with Giants connections.
Offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo was the Giants’ offensive coordinator and head coach from 2014-17; quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan was a long-time assistant under Tom Coughlin; tight ends coach Kevin Gilbride Jr. held several roles for the Giants from 2010-17 and assistant head coach Al Holcomb was a defensive assistant here from 2009-12.
Giants special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey held the same position with the Panthers in 2016-17.
