Giants vs. Panthers Game Preview

The Giants go into tonight’s game very banged up.  Out for tonight’s game are Nicks, Bradshaw, Hixon, and Diehl.  Prince Amukamara should be back to help a secondary that has been picked on.  Of the injured, Nicks is far and away the most indispensable player on the list.  In fact, after Eli and JPP he is their third most important player.  The other injured players all have backups who provide similar expected production.  Nicks is the guy Eli can throw to when he is not open and he will still catch it.

Cam Newton is a special taken but the Giants should match up as well with him as anyone.  His primary plus attribute is athletic ability.  The Giants happen to have a very athletic front 7 and should be hurt by this strength less than most.  Steve Smith has killed the Giants in the past with a bubble screen play.  Let’s hope Coughlin viewed enough film to counter that.  Expect Barden and Randle to show some thing tonight and the Giants to be able to move the ball despite the key injuries.  The defense should benefit from the return of Amukamara and the Giants run defense has generally been stout other than a few big runs in the second half against Dallas. 

Prediction:  Giants 20 Panthers 19