[wpdevart_youtube width=”640″ height=”385″ autoplay=”1″ theme=”dark” loop_video=”0″ enable_fullscreen=”1″ show_related=”1″ show_popup=”0″ thumb_popup_width=”213″ thumb_popup_height=”128″ show_title=”1″ show_youtube_icon=”1″ show_annotations=”1″ show_progress_bar_color=”red” autohide_parameters=”1″ set_initial_volume=”false” initial_volume=”100″ disable_keyboard=”0″]VKCtlstoWYk[/wpdevart_youtube]
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Carolina Panthers came into MetLife Stadium Sunday afternoon, looking to remain undefeated. The New York Giants were looking to keep their playoff hopes alive and give the Panthers their first loss of the season. The 79,436 that were in attendance on Sunday got no shortage of excitement. This was a hard fought and physical game that came down to the very last second.
The first quarter was tightly contested as both the Panthers and Giants were able to score a touchdown. Carolina got their first score off a three yard touchdown pass from Cam Newton to Ted Ginn Jr. The score put the Panthers up 7-0, but the Giants would answer right back with a touchdown pass of their own. Eli Manning connected with Rueben Randle for a 27 yard touchdown to tie the game at 7-7.
The second quarter was all Panthers, as Newton threw for two more touchdowns. Newton was able to connect with Greg Olsen and Devin Funchess for touchdowns, that put Carolina up 21-7 going into halftime. The Giants offense was very stagnant and ineffective during the second quarter. New York only had three first downs, and punted on three of their five possessions in the quarter. One of their drives stalled when Rashad Jennings fumbled and Charles Tillman recovered it for Carolina.
Odell Beckham Jr. and Josh Norman were battling all day long. The physicality was high, and there looked to be no love lost between the two. After each snap there seemed to be an altercation of malicious hands to the face, and after the whistle. It reached it’s peak when Beckham Jr. speared Norman on a helmet-to-helmet hit. Luckily Norman wasn’t injured, but many thought Beckham Jr. should have gotten ejected for the hit. Norman’s physicality seemed to get in Beckham Jr.’s head, as Beckham Jr. was held catchless for the entire first half.
The start of the second half was dreadful for New York, as they had three and outs on their first two possessions. Carolina had a three and out on their first possession of the second half, but went on to score two touchdowns on their next two drives. Newton connected on two more touchdown passes to Corey Brown and his second to Ginn Jr. This put Carolina up 35-7, and the game seemed over for the Giants.
However, the New York Giants showed some heart and rallied off 28 unanswered points. Beckham Jr. had a huge touchdown catch on a 4th and 5 to tie the game at 35-35. Instead of talking about how great of a catch it was, many only observed his celebrations and antics following the catch. Beckham Jr. ran all the way down the field, and mocked Newton’s signature “dab” as if they had won the Super Bowl. Beckham Jr. must have forgotten that the Panthers were undefeated, and that there was still time left on the clock.
Newton proceeded to drive his team down the field, for the game winning 43 yard field goal by Graham Gano as time expired. This was yet another heartbreaking defeat to add to the list this season. With the 38-35 loss to the Panthers, New York no longer controls their own playoff destiny.
Here’s the miracle that the Giants are hoping for:
Week 16 – Philadelphia Eagles beat the Washington Redskins AND New York beats the Minnesota Vikings
Week 17 – New York beats Philadelphia AND the Dallas Cowboys beat Washington
It seems like the Giants making the playoffs is a huge long shot. New York more than likely will need to beat Minnesota without Beckham Jr. There have been various reports that Beckham Jr. will be suspended one game for his malicious helmet-to-helmet hit on Norman. Beckham Jr.’s mental toughness is definitely under question after his performance Sunday.
This is not Beckham Jr.’s first time losing his cool. Back in Week 13 against the New York Jets, Beckham Jr. had a crucial delay of game penalty when he kicked the ball in frustration. Beckham Jr. took the focus away from a spirited Giants comeback, by acting immature and selfishly putting the focus on himself. Yes the Giants probably won’t make the playoffs, but the bigger issue is their franchise receiver. Beckham Jr.’s behavior was uncalled for and Tom Coughlin spoke about how he will NOT defend Beckham Jr.’s behavior. This is something that the coaching staff and management needs to handle immediately, before the same behavior trickles down to other players.
The Giants have been their own worst enemy this season. New York has beaten themselves countless times this season. Whether it has been costly penalties or not finishing games down the stretch, the Giants have no one to blame for their situation but themselves.
Stats of the Game:
- Jennings was the Giants first running back this season to rush for 100 yards in a game.
- Manning passed Johnny Unitas on the NFL‘s career passing touchdowns list with 291. He is now tied for 8th all-time with Warren Moon.
- Newton had a monster game, completing 25 of 45 passes for 340 yards and 5 TDs. Newton also added 100 yards rushing.
- Beckham Jr. had his streak of six consecutive 100 yard receiving games snapped Sunday.
Barry Holmes is a Senior Writer for PureSportsNY.com. Follow him on Twitter @BHO732