Thursday night’s matchup features two teams looking to prove themselves as playoff contenders early on in this 2012 season. The banged up New York Giants squad will travel down to Charlotte to take on Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers on what looks to be a clear night at Bank of America Field. NFLweather.com forecasts show clear skies with lows in the upper 50s and light winds. With weather not likely to have an important role in Thursday’s game, look for other factors to affect the outcome of this matchup.
The Giants injury report has grown once again this past week with key players Ahmad Bradshaw, David Diehl, Domenik Hixon, and just recently Hakeem Nicks ruled out for Thursday’s matchup with various injuries. However, with injury comes opportunity. The Giants will most likely turn to Andre Brown to start at running back with David Wilson being a close backup. Expect Brown to see a heavy workload against a Carolina defense who was ranked dead last against the run last year and has already surrendered 5.2 yards per carry against opposing running backs this season.
Since it will be a clear night, Eli Manning will look to air it out as always. With Nicks out, Victor Cruz will likely see most of the targets from Manning. Although tight end Martellus Bennett is off to a fast start and could be an option for Eli in the red zone. As for other receivers filling in for injured Hicks and Hixon, 2012 third round draft pick Reuben Randle has yet to see an increased workload but these injuries have created opportunity for him and this could be the game he breaks out of his shell.
As for the Panthers offense, we have stressed the importance of containing Cam Newton and Thursday night will be no different for the New York Giants defense. Last week we saw Newton tear up the Saints defense by throwing for 250 yards and a touchdown, while also running for 73 yards and a score. The giants have been average against the run this year and should be able to keep Newton in check with their athletic defensive linemen. Panther’s running backs this season have been extremely inconsistent in terms of workload with Mike Tolbert now receiving carries with D’Angelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart inside the red zone. This is something to keep in mind when setting your fantasy roster.
The real problem for the Giants defense this year has come against the pass. The Giants secondary has surrendered 550 yards and 5 touchdowns through the air in two games. Panther’s offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski will most likely start out with short throws to keep Cam comfortable in the pocket on this cool night then try to expose an injured Giants secondary with receivers Steve Smith and Brandon Lafell. Since Smith is a legitimate deep threat, he is likely to have safety help over the top. This opens up the field for Lafell, who has been a top-ten fantasy receiver the first two weeks and will most likely continue that trend.
Given the clear skies Thursday night and Bank of America’s natural grass surface, making strong cuts shouldn’t be a problem for defenders. In a game with two high-powered offenses, it will likely come down to turnovers. And with both teams likely to air it out a lot, it will be interesting to see which defense steps up.
Thursday night’s matchup features two teams looking to prove themselves as playoff contenders early on in this 2012 season. The banged up New York Giants squad will travel down to Charlotte to take on Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers on what looks to be a clear night at Bank of America Field. NFLweather.com forecasts show clear skies with lows in the upper 50s and light winds. With weather not likely to have an important role in Thursday’s game, look for other factors to affect the outcome of this matchup.
The Giants injury report has grown once again this past week with key players Ahmad Bradshaw, David Diehl, Domenik Hixon, and just recently Hakeem Nicks ruled out for Thursday’s matchup with various injuries. However, with injury comes opportunity. The Giants will most likely turn to Andre Brown to start at running back with David Wilson being a close backup. Expect Brown to see a heavy workload against a Carolina defense who was ranked dead last against the run last year and has already surrendered 5.2 yards per carry against opposing running backs this season.
Since it will be a clear night, Eli Manning will look to air it out as always. With Nicks out, Victor Cruz will likely see most of the targets from Manning. Although tight end Martellus Bennett is off to a fast start and could be an option for Eli in the red zone. As for other receivers filling in for injured Hicks and Hixon, 2012 third round draft pick Reuben Randle has yet to see an increased workload but these injuries have created opportunity for him and this could be the game he breaks out of his shell.
As for the Panthers offense, we have stressed the importance of containing Cam Newton and Thursday night will be no different for the New York Giants defense. Last week we saw Newton tear up the Saints defense by throwing for 250 yards and a touchdown, while also running for 73 yards and a score. The giants have been average against the run this year and should be able to keep Newton in check with their athletic defensive linemen. Panther’s running backs this season have been extremely inconsistent in terms of workload with Mike Tolbert now receiving carries with D’Angelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart inside the red zone. This is something to keep in mind when setting your fantasy roster.
The real problem for the Giants defense this year has come against the pass. The Giants secondary has surrendered 550 yards and 5 touchdowns through the air in two games. Panther’s offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski will most likely start out with short throws to keep Cam comfortable in the pocket on this cool night then try to expose an injured Giants secondary with receivers Steve Smith and Brandon Lafell. Since Smith is a legitimate deep threat, he is likely to have safety help over the top. This opens up the field for Lafell, who has been a top-ten fantasy receiver the first two weeks and will most likely continue that trend.
Given the clear skies Thursday night and Bank of America’s natural grass surface, making strong cuts shouldn’t be a problem for defenders. In a game with two high-powered offenses, it will likely come down to turnovers. And with both teams likely to air it out a lot, it will be interesting to see which defense steps up.
David Purdum of The Linemakers at Sporting News writes about the NFL & MNF: Monday Night Fog. Read about the Packers vs Seahawks game this week as well as some of the foggiest NFL matchups in recent history.
Read more at LineMakers.
David Purdum of The Linemakers at Sporting News writes about the NFL & MNF: Monday Night Fog. Read about the Packers vs Seahawks game this week as well as some of the foggiest NFL matchups in recent history.
Read more at LineMakers.
Neither the Carolina Panthers nor New Orleans Saints looked particularly strong in week one, but one side will breath easier after earning their first divisional win of the season following Sunday’s soggy matchup in Charlotte.
While the Panthers are off to an 0-1 start in the NFC South following a dismal performance in Tampa Bay, a win at home against the Saints would bury the division’s preseason favorite in the cellar. A task that is much easier said than done. But if a rookie quarterback can storm into the Superdome and stun Drew Brees and the Saints, who’s to say Cam Newton can’t do it at home in the rain?
With a 40% chance of rain both leading up to and during the game as reported by NFLWeather.com, Bank of America Stadium’s grass field will be a slick one. Thunderstorms are possible after 9AM which hopefully will have little to no impact on the 1PM kickoff and light winds maxing around 5 mph will be swirling northeast.
The harder the rain, the more each side will focus on building a solid ground game early. And both teams have zero shortage of functional backs for various game situations. However, despite the depth both the Saints and Panthers struggled tremendously to build any sort of running game a week ago. Given both sides were trailing in each of their week one match ups, but they combined for a pathetic 23 total rushing plays between the two (10 for CAR, 13 for NO). Expect this to change and expect both coaches to maximize the work load for the running backs this week.
If rain forces Drew Brees to his short passing game and having to hand off to his backs, the Panthers can keep this one close. Of the backs behind Brees, Mark Ingram got the most touches with six for only 15 yards followed by Pierre Thomas with four carries for 17 yards in their 40-32 loss at home to the Washington Redskins. In muddy short yardage and goal line situations, Ingram will be an easy go to. But if that grass field starts getting torn up and worn down, head coach Ron Rivera will look to Thomas to turn it up field.
Darren Sproles didn’t get any carries in week one but he made his presence known in the flats catching passes out of the backfield. Sproles had five receptions for 35 yards and a crucial fourth quarter touchdown and two-point conversion that helped spark the Saints’ short but no cigar comeback. If Brees has any issues gripping the wet ball, short passes to Sproles will be common.
But Brees has an arsenal of receiving options. Devery Henderson is still out but redzone target and slot receiver Lance Moore more than made up for his absence with 120 yards on six receptions and a touchdown. Tight End Jimmy Graham also hauled in a score along with six grabs for 85 yards and continuing to prove he’s seemingly unstoppable for any linebacker to cover. Marques Colston is also a healthy option for Brees who completed 24 of 52 attempts for 339 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions last week. With overcast and a slick surface, Brees will be exchanging a number of those passing attempts with handing off to his running backs and focusing his passing game on slanting receivers and short routes.
Unfortunately for the Saints, their Jonathan Vilma-less defense have to once again prepare for an explosive quarterback with just as much an eye for an open receiver as he does an open seam for a 40 yard scamper. Cam Newton didn’t put up crazy numbers in the Panthers 16-10 road loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but something Carolina fans should be looking forward to is how poorly the Saints defense did against rookie sensation Robert Griffith III.
Similarly to when Newton burst onto the NFL scene a year ago, RG3 had a solid 19 of 26 performance for 320 yards and two touchdowns. He also had nine rushes for 42 yards and in perhaps the most impressive stat of all, zero turnovers. Numbers very familiar to Carolina’s franchise QB.And in order to have any chance of dealing New Orleans their second loss in as many games, Newton has to avoid the turnovers and provide substantial offense both in the air and on the ground. Last week, Carolina’s ground game was atrocious; 10 net yards rushing. Even the addition of former San Diego Charger Mike Tolbert reuniting with Rivera wasn’t enough to make even the smallest of dents in Tampa Bay’s defense. DeAngelo Williams took his six touches and turned them into -1 yards on the ground while Tolbert’s lone carry was for two yards. Newton’s rushing attempts were no different, five carries for four yards.
A lack of commitment to the ground game was obvious in week one but with thunderstorms looming the Panthers will need to get something going from at least one back. Like the Saints’ situation, Carolina will work to open up holes and seal off the second level for Williams to break out some big runs. In short yardage, Tolbert is the bruising favorite.But by the end of the day, it shouldn’t be a surprise if Newton leads both sides in rushing. Any chance he has to cut upfield and make a few juke moves in the mud, few defensive backs will be excited about taking down that big body one on one. As much as Newton will look for Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and tight end Greg Olsen; he’ll be looking to pick up a few yards on the ground just as much. And that right there is the difference maker in the weather; Cam Newton’s ability to see the field and provide offense with his arm and his legs.
If New Orleans can contain Cam, Carolina is in serious trouble. But if the Panthers can keep it close and let Newton run the show, Drew Brees and company might be sitting at an unlikely 0-2. Time of possession will be key in this rainy, muggy divisional rivalry and the team who can keep grinding it out on the ground best will take it.
Neither the Carolina Panthers nor New Orleans Saints looked particularly strong in week one, but one side will breath easier after earning their first divisional win of the season following Sunday’s soggy matchup in Charlotte.
While the Panthers are off to an 0-1 start in the NFC South following a dismal performance in Tampa Bay, a win at home against the Saints would bury the division’s preseason favorite in the cellar. A task that is much easier said than done. But if a rookie quarterback can storm into the Superdome and stun Drew Brees and the Saints, who’s to say Cam Newton can’t do it at home in the rain?
With a 40% chance of rain both leading up to and during the game as reported by NFLWeather.com, Bank of America Stadium’s grass field will be a slick one. Thunderstorms are possible after 9AM which hopefully will have little to no impact on the 1PM kickoff and light winds maxing around 5 mph will be swirling northeast.
The harder the rain, the more each side will focus on building a solid ground game early. And both teams have zero shortage of functional backs for various game situations. However, despite the depth both the Saints and Panthers struggled tremendously to build any sort of running game a week ago. Given both sides were trailing in each of their week one match ups, but they combined for a pathetic 23 total rushing plays between the two (10 for CAR, 13 for NO). Expect this to change and expect both coaches to maximize the work load for the running backs this week.
If rain forces Drew Brees to his short passing game and having to hand off to his backs, the Panthers can keep this one close. Of the backs behind Brees, Mark Ingram got the most touches with six for only 15 yards followed by Pierre Thomas with four carries for 17 yards in their 40-32 loss at home to the Washington Redskins. In muddy short yardage and goal line situations, Ingram will be an easy go to. But if that grass field starts getting torn up and worn down, head coach Ron Rivera will look to Thomas to turn it up field.
Darren Sproles didn’t get any carries in week one but he made his presence known in the flats catching passes out of the backfield. Sproles had five receptions for 35 yards and a crucial fourth quarter touchdown and two-point conversion that helped spark the Saints’ short but no cigar comeback. If Brees has any issues gripping the wet ball, short passes to Sproles will be common.
But Brees has an arsenal of receiving options. Devery Henderson is still out but redzone target and slot receiver Lance Moore more than made up for his absence with 120 yards on six receptions and a touchdown. Tight End Jimmy Graham also hauled in a score along with six grabs for 85 yards and continuing to prove he’s seemingly unstoppable for any linebacker to cover. Marques Colston is also a healthy option for Brees who completed 24 of 52 attempts for 339 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions last week. With overcast and a slick surface, Brees will be exchanging a number of those passing attempts with handing off to his running backs and focusing his passing game on slanting receivers and short routes.
Unfortunately for the Saints, their Jonathan Vilma-less defense have to once again prepare for an explosive quarterback with just as much an eye for an open receiver as he does an open seam for a 40 yard scamper. Cam Newton didn’t put up crazy numbers in the Panthers 16-10 road loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but something Carolina fans should be looking forward to is how poorly the Saints defense did against rookie sensation Robert Griffith III.
Similarly to when Newton burst onto the NFL scene a year ago, RG3 had a solid 19 of 26 performance for 320 yards and two touchdowns. He also had nine rushes for 42 yards and in perhaps the most impressive stat of all, zero turnovers. Numbers very familiar to Carolina’s franchise QB.And in order to have any chance of dealing New Orleans their second loss in as many games, Newton has to avoid the turnovers and provide substantial offense both in the air and on the ground. Last week, Carolina’s ground game was atrocious; 10 net yards rushing. Even the addition of former San Diego Charger Mike Tolbert reuniting with Rivera wasn’t enough to make even the smallest of dents in Tampa Bay’s defense. DeAngelo Williams took his six touches and turned them into -1 yards on the ground while Tolbert’s lone carry was for two yards. Newton’s rushing attempts were no different, five carries for four yards.
A lack of commitment to the ground game was obvious in week one but with thunderstorms looming the Panthers will need to get something going from at least one back. Like the Saints’ situation, Carolina will work to open up holes and seal off the second level for Williams to break out some big runs. In short yardage, Tolbert is the bruising favorite.But by the end of the day, it shouldn’t be a surprise if Newton leads both sides in rushing. Any chance he has to cut upfield and make a few juke moves in the mud, few defensive backs will be excited about taking down that big body one on one. As much as Newton will look for Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and tight end Greg Olsen; he’ll be looking to pick up a few yards on the ground just as much. And that right there is the difference maker in the weather; Cam Newton’s ability to see the field and provide offense with his arm and his legs.
If New Orleans can contain Cam, Carolina is in serious trouble. But if the Panthers can keep it close and let Newton run the show, Drew Brees and company might be sitting at an unlikely 0-2. Time of possession will be key in this rainy, muggy divisional rivalry and the team who can keep grinding it out on the ground best will take it.
Get the latest forecast and analysis from NFLWeather.com on this week's FantasyFootballHelpers.com podcast
Get the latest forecast and analysis from NFLWeather.com on this week's FantasyFootballHelpers.com podcast
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