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TURNING POINT**
After a rough start to the game, the Giants had a chance to right the ship after an interception by Aaron Ross early in the second quarter.
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Panthers' D-line halts Giants offense Secondary talks struggles vs. Newton Best Photos from Week 3  |
>> PANTHERS D-LINE HALTS OFFENSE
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE OFFENSE
A lot of the problems in the Giants' 0-2 start stemmed from losing the battle up front. Those issues became glaring in Week 3 as the Panthers sacked Eli Manning six times in the first half alone (seven total), leading to their third loss to begin the season. The offense managed just 18 total yards in the first half – largely due to the yards lost on the sacks -- while the running game was nonexistent for the third week in a row. Any yards came when the game was already out of reach.
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE DEFENSE
Like the first three weeks, the defense kept the game from spiraling out of control early on. Unlike their 2012 meeting with the Panthers, though, quarterback Cam Newton hurt the Giants with his legs before opening it up and throwing three touchdown passes. Cornerback Aaron Ross, playing in place of injured Corey Webster, tried to spark the team with an interception and two big pass breakups. But the turnover led to zero points as the lopsided game went downhill from there.
>> WATCH POSTGAME INTERVIEWS
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT SPECIAL TEAMS
You could tell it wasn't going to be the Giants' day when kicker Josh Brown missed a 38-yard field goal (wide left) early in the second quarter when the game was still in reach. The Giants did force two turnovers on Sunday, one of which came on special teams. On punt coverage, tight end Larry Donnell recovered a fumble that deflected off Richie Brockel, but the Giants went three-and-out on the ensuing possession.
ROOKIE WATCH
Justin Pugh made his third start in three games at right tackle. Meanwhile, QB Ryan Nassib, RB Michael Cox, and DT Johnathan Hankins were on the inactive list and did not dress.
