EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Giants took this gracious host thing much too far the last five years in MetLife Stadium.
From 2017-21, they were an unpardonable 12-28 in their home stadium. The Giants won two games three times and three games twice, including 2021, when they were 3-5 at home and 4-13 overall.
But this year commenced a new era of Giants football, helmed by general manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll. The Giants traveled to Nashville last week for their opener, trailed by 13 points after a first half in which they failed to score and rallied for a 21-20 victory with a touchdown and two-point conversion with 1:06 remaining in the fourth quarter. Saquon Barkley totaled 194 yards from scrimmage to verify he's still one of the NFL's best running backs, the defense smothered two-time rushing champion Derrick Henry and optimism reigns.
Now, the Giants play three consecutive home games, a multi-week opportunity to prove to their fans the enthusiasm is warranted. The MetLife Stadium three-pack begins Sunday against the 0-1 Carolina Panthers.
"I understand how important the New York Football Giants are to a lot of people around here, and they're important to us," Daboll said. "I've come across a lot of great people in this community and had some really good conversations. And I'm looking forward to being on this sideline. Where it's always cool as a coach, you pull up to the parking lots, and you get a sense even before you go into the game of what kind of day the fans are going to have. And I love our fanbase. I love the support. They're on you when it's bad, and they're supporting you when it's good. And that's the way it is. That's this area.
"I grew up in western New York on the other side of it, but New York/New Jersey mentality. And I'm looking forward to having a packed house and them being as loud as they can be on third down or when Carolina's on offense. They're pretty smart fans up here, so the more we can get in there, the better it'll be. They're part of our team on home games, and I firmly believe that. Wherever I've been, the places that have great support like we do, you go into those places, and it's hard. It's hard to communicate as an offense when you're on the other side, and you get a lot of energy when you're playing special teams and on defense. And we've got to give them a reason to cheer, too. And that's why we're working the way that we're working and focused on what we're focused on."
Coaches and players all but stood on Route 3 and handed out invitations to Giants fans this week, and they emphasized those who attend the game should not sit silently.
"I hope it's loud and having a great time," defensive coordinator Wink Martindale said. "That's what I hope it is. That's what I expect the crowd to be like. I know this place loves defense, so we'll do our part. You guys do yours. That's the way I look at it, and it'll be fun. It should be when you come to the stadium."
"I need it to be loud in here, man," said defensive end Jihad Ward, a first year Giant whom the coaches selected as his unit's player of the game in Tennessee. ("That was unanimous," Martindale said.) "I need it to be loud and we need all the fans to show some love and support. Have some faith and believe. I just can't wait to go out there and see what the home atmosphere out here feels like. I don't know what happened in the past, I don't know the fan base, what happened last year, but I'm excited."
Daniel Jones, like most NFL quarterbacks, has heard boos in his home stadium. But he completed a career-high 81% of his passes against the Titans, including all three on the deciding drive.
Jones has also received his share of ovations in MetLife, in part because of his fearlessness when he tucks the ball under his arm and starts running.
"I'm excited to get in front of the fans back at MetLife," Jones said. "Looking forward to the energy and just feeling kind of the juice from them. We've talked a lot about winning at home, protecting home field and we're all excited to do that. So, I'm looking forward to getting out there."
The Giants' most recent home victory marked Jones' last action in 2021. On Nov. 28, he suffered a neck injury in a 13-7 triumph vs. Philadelphia. Jones missed the final six games, all losses, including contests in MetLife to NFC East foes Dallas and Washington in which the Giants scored 13 total points.
Jones is confident the faithful have put those bleak Sundays behind them.
"I expect a lot of energy, a lot of juice from the fans and for them to be riled up," he said. "And we're excited to get in front of them and play. Like I said, talked about defending our home turf, and that's what we're looking forward to doing. I think we all feel that in this locker room, and we're excited to get out in front of them."
The Giants have a chance to generate some momentum in the first quarter of the season. After Carolina, the Giants will host the Cowboys in a Monday night game and conclude the homestand against the Chicago Bears.
"I know we're talking about changing the culture and changing the culture defensively," Martindale said. "This is one of the biggest changes you'll see is this week to bring back great defense in this facility. I've only lived here for a short period of time, but I know New Yorkers are loud. We need to be loud in that stadium. They have to go on silent count. If you want to be part of changing this culture here with the Giants, be loud and have that place rocking where people don't want to come to our stadium. We'll take care of the rest, and we'll give you something to be loud about. But just be loud. I can't wait to see it."
He's not alone.
View rare photos of the history between the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers.
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) is tackled by the Caroline Panthers' Chris Gamble (20) and Dan Morgan (55) after a one yard gain in the second quarter of their NFC wild card playoff football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. N.J., Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. (Julie Jacobson/AP Photos)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) is tackled by the Carolina Panthers' Dan Morgan (55) in the first quarter of their wild card playoff football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. (/AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
Carolina Panthers' quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) is sacked by the New York Giants' Michael Strahan (92) for an eight yard loss in the second quarter of their NFC wild card playoff football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. N.J., Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006. (Kathy Willens/AP Photos)
New York Giants' Plaxico Burress (17) catches a touchdown pass as Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) defends during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) runs through the line for a short gain during the Giants' 27-13 win over the Carolina Panthers in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. Barber went over 10,000 career yards rushing in the second quarter on the way to his fifth 100-yard game of the season. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
New York Giants' Gibril Wilson (28) reaches out to intercept a pass intended for Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) as New York Giants' R.W. McQuarters (25) defends during the third quarter of the Giants' 27-13 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' R.W. McQuarters (25) knocks a pass away from Carolina Panthers' Drew Carter (18) during the fourth quarter of the Giants' 27-13 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) runs past Carolina Panthers' Na'il Diggs (53) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Chris Weinke, left, throws a pass under pressure from New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora, right, during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs, center, barrels past Carolina Panthers linebacker Na'il Diggs, left, and Thomas Davis, right, during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) gains some of the 82 yards he contributed to the Giants final scoring drive that helped them score the winning touchdown in the Giants 34-28 overtime victory over the Carolina Panthers in their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Dec. 22, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning fakes a handoff to Madison Hedgecock during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) drives over Carolina Panthers linebacker Na'il Diggs (53) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Giants' Madison Hedgecock (39) blocks on the play. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) breaks across the line as New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) drops back for a pass during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play in the first quarter of the Giants NFL football victory over the Carolina Panthers at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) runs for 13 yards past Carolina Panthers safety Chris Harris (43) during a Giants scoring drive in the Giants' 34-28 overtime victory in an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward, left, runs for a 34-yard gain while chased by Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward runs for a 51-yard gain while chased by Carolina Panthers' Ken Lucas during overtime of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 34-28. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward runs for a 51-yard gain while chased by Carolina Panthers, from left, Chris Harris, Thomas Davis, Na'il Diggs and Jon Beason (52) in overtime of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 34-28. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) breaks a tackle from Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) in the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants go up against the Carolina Panthers during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday December 27th, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants linebacker Michael Boley (52) celebrates a tackle against the Carolina Panthers during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday December 27th, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive lineman Mathias Kiwanuka (94) looks to defend a pass against the Carolina Panthers during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday December 27th, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive lineman Chris Canty (99) applies pressure against the Carolina Panthers during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday December 27th, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) runs past Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass as he is rushed by Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants cornerback Bruce Johnson (25) defends Carolina Panthers' Muhsin Muhammad (87) in the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a pass as he is defended by Carolina Panthers' Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a third quarter touchdown pass that gives the Giants a 24-16 lead while covered by Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) rushes during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a third quarter touchdown pass that gives the Giants a 24-16 lead while covered by Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen (02) gets hit by New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) rushes during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a touchdown pass that gives the Giants a 14-9 lead while covered by Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a tip toe sideline pass while covered by Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the NFL regular season week 1 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Richard Marshall (31) tackles New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Carolina Panthers' Matt Moore (3) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. The Giants won the game 31-18. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips (21) intercepts a pass to Carolina Panthers' Gary Barnidge (82), over Giants' Jonathan Goff (54) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. The Giants won 31-18. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks over the defense during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants safety Deon Grant (34) intercepts a pass as teammate Kenny Phillips (21) and Carolina Panthers tight end Gary Barnidge (82) look on during an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers face off at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) is tackled during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore, right, avoids a sack by New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
Carolina Panthers' Matt Moore (3) fumbles as he is sacked by New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. Carolina recovered the ball. The Giants won 31-18. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants safety Deon Grant (34) intercepts a pass as teammate Kenny Phillips (21) and Carolina Panthers tight end Gary Barnidge (82) look on during an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams (34) is tackled by New York Giants' Barry Cofield (96) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. Moore fumbled, but Carolina recovered. The Giants won 31-18. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) celebrates with teammate Ahmad Bradshaw as Carolina Panthers' Sherrod Martin (23) walks away during the second quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants safety Deon Grant (34) intercepts a pass as teammate Kenny Phillips (21) and Carolina Panthers tight end Gary Barnidge (82) look on during an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Martellus Bennett (85) catches a touchdown pass past Carolina Panthers safety Charles Godfrey (30) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during a week 3 Thursday night football game on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) tries to break a tackle in an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers Thursday, September 20, 2012, in Charlotte, NC. (AP Photo/Margaret Bowles)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during a week 3 Thursday night football game on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Andre Brown (35) starts his run as Carolina Panthers' Frank Alexander (90) pushes away from New York Giants' Will Beatty (65) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants cornerback Jayron Hosley (28) intercepts a pass intended for Carolina Panthers wide receiver Brandon LaFell (11) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants linebacker Spencer Paysinger (52) strips Carolina Panther Joe Adams (15) during a week 3 Thursday night football game against the Carolina Panthers on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) tackles Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during a week 3 Thursday night football game against the Carolina Panthers on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Andre Brown (35) runs past Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly (59) and Charles Godfrey (30) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Andre Brown (35) gets some help from teammate, Henry Hynoski (45) as he muscles over Carolina Panthers' Chris Gamble (20) and Luke Kuechly (59) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) scrambles for a gain against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during a week 3 Thursday night football game on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs after a catch as Carolina Panthers linebackers Jon Beason (52) and James Anderson (50) defend during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
New York Giants defensive back Stevie Brown (27) is tackled by Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) after interception a throw during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Jay Bromley (96) tackles Carolina Panthers' Fozzy Whittaker (43) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Kerry Wynn (72), Jasper Brinkley (53) and Cullen Jenkins (99) tackle Carolina Panthers' Mike Tolbert (35) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Carolina Panthers' Kurt Coleman (20) tackles New York Giants' Andre Williams (44) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Rashad Jennings (23) breaks a tackle by Carolina Panthers' Kurt Coleman (20) and Josh Norman (24) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) scores a touchdown in front of Carolina Panthers' Roman Harper (41) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Will Tye (45) scores a touchdown as Carolina Panthers' Thomas Davis (58) tackles him during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Shane Vereen (34) gets up after being tackled by Carolina Panthers' Roman Harper (41) in the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) runs for a touchdown as Carolina Panthers' Roman Harper (41) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) is tackled by Carolina Panthers' Roman Harper (41) as Thomas Davis (58) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) scrambles as Carolina Panthers' David Mayo (55) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Jason E. Miczek)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (Tom DiPace via AP)
in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Carolina Panthers' Mike Adams (29) in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Carolina Panthers' Mario Addison (97) in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) runs after a catch against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
The Carolina Panthers line up against the New York Giants in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Jason E. Miczek)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Carolina Panthers' Jermaine Carter (56) for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Carolina Panthers' Wes Horton (96) in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers' Jermaine Carter (56) in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) is upended by Carolina Panthers' James Bradberry (24) in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs against the Carolina Panthers the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates a sack during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Leonard Williams (99), Azeez Ojulari (51)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Daniel Jones (8)
Leonard Williams (99)
Daniel Jones (8)
Leonard Williams (99)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a week 7 football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) chases Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during a week 7 football game on Sunday October 24th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Azeez Ojulari (51)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) catches a pass in front of Carolina Panthers' Sean Chandler (34) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Cor'Dale Flott (28), Adoree' Jackson (22)
Cor'Dale Flott (28), Adoree' Jackson (22), Oshane Ximines (53)
Jihad Ward (55)
Dane Belton (24)
*The Giants will begin the NFL's 140th three-game homestand since 2010. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, only 31 of them ended with a three-game sweep for the home team:
- 3-0: 31
- 2-1: 53
- 1-2: 41
- 0-3: 14
Those teams were most successful in the final game of the homestand:
- Game 1: 79-60
- Game 2: 75-64
- Game 3: 86-53
*Carolina has the NFL's longest active losing streak at eight games (seven in 2021 and last week). The Panthers' most recent victory was a 34-10 triumph at Arizona last Nov. 14.
*The Giants have a chance to start 2-0 for the first time since 2016.
*The Giants are 50-44-3 in home openers, but just 3-9 in MetLife Stadium. They have lost their last five home openers. Their most recent victory was a 16-13 defeat of New Orleans on Sept. 18, 2016 – six years to the day from tomorrow.
*The game will feature the top two selections in the 2018 NFL Draft, Carolina quarterback Baker Mayfield and Giants running back Saquon Barkley (who was selected the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year). The third choice in that draft, quarterback Sam Darnold, is on the Panthers' injured reserve list.
*Carolina left tackle Ikem Ekwonu and Giants right tackle Evan Neal were the first two offensive linemen selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. Each played 100% of his team's offensive snaps in Week 1.
*The Panthers have several former Giants coaches on their staff.
Head coach Matt Rhule was the Giants' assistant offensive line coach in 2012. Offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo held the same role with the Giants in 2014-15 and was the head coach in 2016-17. Tight ends coach Kevin M. Gilbride was the Giants' offensive quality control coach and coached the team's wide receivers (2012-13) and tight ends (2014-17). Quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan was the Giants' offensive quality control coach (2007-09) and coached the wide receivers (2010-11, 2014-15) and quarterbacks (2012-13). Carolina assistant head coach/ defense Al Holcomb was the Giants' defensive quality control (2009-10) and defensive assistant (2011-12).
*The Giants trail in the regular-season (6-5) and postseason (1-0) series. Last Oct. 24, they broke the Panthers' three-game winning streak in the series with a 25-3 triumph in MetLife Stadium.
