The New York Giants and Carolina Panthers get a dose of something they both largely need.
It’s a change of scenery as the teams meet Sunday in Munich.
“It will be a little bit of a different flavor,” Carolina coach Dave Canales said of the overseas trip.
Both teams hold 2-7 records. The Giants have lost four games in a row, while the Panthers posted a 23-22 home victory against the New Orleans Saints last week to halt a five-game skid.
New York’s misery has come in various forms, with a certain theme.
“The results stink,” Giants coach Brian Daboll said.
Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has been increasingly scrutinized during the team’s losing streak. He’s from Charlotte, so he’ll be facing his hometown team.
Jones completed 20 of 26 passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns in New York’s 27-22 loss to the Washington Commanders last week.
“He has made a lot of good decisions,” Daboll said. “He has improved certain things that we work on. He’s got the right mindset.”
As for the Panthers’ quarterback situation, Canales said Bryce Young, who directed the victory last week, would start for the third game in a row. Andy Dalton, who had been dealing with a thumb injury, is feeling better, and he is ready for regular duty as well.
By leading a winning drive in the final minutes vs. the Saints, Young achieved an objective for the Panthers.
“This is about the progress from one week to the next,” Canales said. “That finish, that’s what we look for.”
The Panthers continued to make moves that impact the roster. Receiver Jonathan Mingo was traded to the Dallas Cowboys this week in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round draft pick.
Carolina could restock at receiver if Adam Thielen, who hasn’t been in a game since the third week of the season because of a hamstring injury, is ready to play. However, he sat out practice on Wednesday. Jordan Matthews, a former receiver who has played at tight end recently, has the flexibility to return to receiver, Canales said.
The Panthers will see former teammate Brian Burns, who is in his first season on the Giants’ defensive front.
“He has been a good addition for us,” Daboll said. “Good leadership, good player for us. Glad we got him.”
Carolina players witnessed Burns’ ability to be disruptive to opponents when he was a teammate.
“Burns, he can bend like no other,” Panthers offensive lineman Brady Christensen said. “He’s 6-5 and long, and he can bend.”
The Giants designated former Panthers kicker Graham Gano to return to practice this week, meaning he could be activated for the Carolina game. He was a limited practice participant on Wednesday. If he can’t go, Jude McAtamney would get the nod for the second game in a row.
Running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) could also be added to Carolina’s mix on offense as he nears coming off the injury list. He practiced in full on Wednesday.
Canales said it’s encouraging that Brooks might be ready to be back in games, though a final decision would be made later in the week.
The Panthers are trying to sort out their offensive line. Ikem Ekwonu (ankle) might be back from a one-game absence, so that could mean another shift for Christensen, who has played various spots on the line.
Canales was an assistant coach with Seattle when the Seahawks visited Munich for a game in 2022, so he is familiar with the likely atmosphere for the Sunday contest.
“It’s great exposure,” he said. “It’s a pretty cool experience.”
The Panthers are 7-6 all-time against the Giants.
–Field Level Media
