I am actually not a big fan of Thursday Night Football. I feel like it does not allow players enough time to recuperate from their previous game which most likely happened on Sunday. This is made evident by this week’s matchup, Carolina Panthers against the New York Giants.
The Giants are going to be missing four of their major stars this week and their team does not come off as dynamic. Most recently, wide receiver Hakeem Nicks was ruled out for tomorrow as he is nursing a foot injury and did not have an adequate amount of time to rest it. It was supposed to be Nicks’ homecoming game as he grew up in North Carolina and even went to University of North Carolina. The Giants are also without tackle David Diehl, running back Ahmad Bradshaw, and wide receiver Domenik Hixon. It is mostly likely going to be Andre Brown controlling the running game as he impressed almost everyone last week scoring his first NFL touchdown. As far as the wide receiver positions, they will most likely be filled by Ramses Barden and rookie Rueben Randle. Barden has made a few big catches this year and the Giants will look for him to step up.
The Panthers will decide their own fate as they have not had a steady performance yet. If they rush the ball well then the odds favor them, but if they can’t get it going then they are a goner. The Giants’ elite pass rush will also be tested as they have not been a major factor yet and they have to put pressure on quarterback Cam Newton. Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora still have yet to have their big moments. The Giants have allowed far too many points thus far.
Hopefully, and I know this is a lot to ask for, but hopefully the replacement refs do not steal the show again.
