New York Giants vs. Carolina Panthers: Preview and Prediction
Key Match-Ups.
Odell Beckham JR. has a tough match-up as he will go up against CB Josh Norman (pictured). Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
WR Odell Beckham JR. vs CB Josh Norman
This is the match-up that everyone is talking about. The football world was unable to see the battle between Beckham and Jets’ CB Darrelle two weeks ago, but this week will consist of a premiere receiver-corner match-up.
Norman has entered the conversation of being a shut down corner and has covered the most elite wide-outs in the game, and they have all had difficulties against him. Here’s a list of notable receivers and their stats vs Norman:
DeAndre Hopkins: 3 rec, 35 yards
Mike Evans: 0 rec, 0 yards
T.Y. Hilton: 1 rec, 15 yards
Dez Bryant: 1 rec, 6 yards
Julio Jones: 4 rec, 33 yards
Beckham, however, has established himself as THE best receiver in the league. He has had 100 yards in each of his last six games and has scored 24 touchdowns in his first 25 games in the NFL. His explosiveness and ability to change the complexity of the game with one play has earned him the right to be called the best. This week is a huge test for second year receiver from LSU. Can the best receiver keep up with the best corner? We can only wait and see.
Giants defense vs. Fozzy Whittaker
Whittaker will fill in for the injured Jonathan Stewart so New York’s last ranked rush defense will now focus on Whittaker.
The 26 year-old backup running back has a total of 298 rushing yards in his three-year career, as well as a career-long run of 17 yards. He doesn’t have game-breaking abilities like Stewart has, but has a big opportunity to prove himself against a bottom feeding Giants defense.
Whittaker had 34 yards and a touchdown on eight attempts last week against the Falcons, so he has proved that he can produce with Stewart out of the picture.
Still, it isn’t likely that Whittaker gets 30 carries, so the Giants need to stop other running backs the Panthers roll out.
Next: X-Factor