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Wednesday, 15 September 2010 09:56 |
By Josh Corbin
The New York Giants combined smothering defense with the tandem of Eli Manning and Hakeem Nicks as they cruised to a 31-18 win over the Carolina Panthers.
In the first official home game in the New Meadowlands Stadium, the Giants faithful erupted as Justin Tuck led the team out onto the field wearing a fire helmet to honor the victims of the 9/11 tragedy.
“We knew about the historic significance of this game here for us, but we also paid homage to those who died on September 11th,” said head coach Tom Coughlin. “The players responded very well. We wanted to win this game, honor America and honor our city and I think our guys did that today.”
Emotions were also running high on a different note, as it was the Panthers who man-handled the Giants in the final week of last season resulting in the team exiting the field to the rousing sounds of boos.
But a new season brings a rejuvenated team ready to put last season behind them and more forward. This result was quite different.
“Like last year’s game, the offense took while to get into rhythm,” said quarterback Eli Manning. “Last year, at halftime we were down by 24, but in this game we were much better. Manning explained, “Offensively we got into our rhythm and our defense was outstanding. The guys really stepped up.”
Carolina’s possessions throughout the first half started either in Giants territory or not far from that, however a first threat ended by a floating pass by quarterback Matt Moore resulted in a Giants interception in the end zone negating a potential scoring opportunity. It was the first of three interceptions in the end zone – all a result of poor decisions by Moore.
As elated as the fans were with the defense, the offense dragged their feet early during the first two possessions as the fans quickly made their displeasure known.
Following a field goal by kicker John Casey, the Panthers took an early 3-0 lead. The Giants then got the offense into gear and Manning connected with Hakeem Hicks on the first of three touchdown passes to the rookie wide receiver out of the University of North Carolina.
With the Carolina defense holding the Giants running game at bay, Manning continued to go to the air. Although receivers were letting passes go through their hands on numerous occasions, Manning stayed poised and connected once again with Hicks as the Giants took a slim 16-14 lead into the locker room.
The second half saw a host of turnovers from both teams, but it was the Giants defense that took control of the game. With an onslaught of continued pressure, Moore was either sacked (three times in the second half) or forced to make quick decisions resulting in interceptions as the Panther committed four out of their five turnovers in the third and fourth quarters.
“We stepped up the pressure in the second half and were able to get to Moore,” said Coughlin. “That did change the complexion of the game, however we also did play the run well today and we tackled very well too.”
In the third quarter, Manning once again found Hicks open in the end zone. The Giants extended their lead to 31-16 when running back Ahmad Bradshaw scored on his first rushing touchdown of the season.
With an urgency to win the season opener in the new stadium added pressure to an already emotional re-match, however Manning answered the call as his performance was sharp throughout the game. He completed 20 of 30 passes for 263 yards with three touchdowns. His three interceptions were a result of passes spiraling through the hands of Giants’ receivers and into the hands of the Panthers defense.
“There were a couple tips but those things happen sometimes,” Manning said following the game. “It’s a part of football and you just have to fight through it. We have the talent and the explosiveness to make those plays and today our receivers made those plays and we came out with a win.”
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