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Panthers-Giants Preview

Dec 25, 2009 - 8:03 PM MATT BEARDMORE STATS Writer

The New York Giants need help to reach the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season, but they can start helping themselves Sunday with a victory over the visiting Carolina Panthers.

Making their last regular-season appearance at Giants Stadium, New York looks to win its third straight over Carolina, which is trying to close its season on a positive note as it has no chance of making the postseason.

With five straight victories to open this campaign, it appeared New York was well on its way to back-to-back NFC East titles. But with six losses in their last nine games, the Giants (8-6) have to win the next two weeks and need Dallas or Green Bay to lose at least once in order to make the playoffs.

While New York can also qualify for the postseason with one defeat and two losses by the Cowboys and Packers, Giants coach Tom Coughlin is not focusing on that complicated scenario.

"We just have to win," he said following Monday's 45-12 victory at Washington. "We have to win games. We have to win."

With a first-round playoff bye clinched in 2008, the Giants defeated the visiting Panthers 34-28 in overtime on Dec. 21 to secure the NFC's top seed.

Brandon Jacobs, who needs 166 rushing yards to reach 1,000 for the third straight season, ran for a career-high three TDs in that game. His two-yard run in overtime capped off the Giants' 301-yard rushing effort \2013 the fifth-highest total in franchise history.

Panthers leading rusher DeAngelo Williams matched a career high with four TDs in that matchup, but is doubtful this week after spraining his ankle in the first quarter of Sunday's 26-7 victory over Minnesota.

Jonathan Stewart ran for 109 yards and a TD and was named NFC offensive player of the week for his efforts. Stewart is expected to play despite a sore left Achilles' tendon.

The Giants' seventh-ranked defense will also have to find an answer for Matt Moore, who had career highs with 299 passing yards and three TDs against the Vikings. He found Steve Smith nine times for 157 yards, including the go-ahead, fourth-quarter score.

Moore will make his third consecutive start for Jake Delhomme, placed on injured reserve Thursday due to a broken finger.

New York, averaging 38.0 points and 412.0 yards during its last three games, will face a Panthers defense that's totaled eight interceptions and five fumbles over the last four contests.

Carolina (6-8) sacked Brett Favre four times and caused a pair of turnovers Sunday. All-Pro defensive end Julius Peppers had one sack and three hurries.

"That was one of our more complete games," Panthers coach John Fox said. "We had a more complete one out in Arizona (a 34-21 win on Nov. 1), it seems like 100 years ago. But it was good to see those guys show up like they did tonight."

Although the Panthers have little more to play for than personal statistics and possibly saving Fox's job, New York has too much at stake to look past the defending NFC South champs and toward the regular-season finale at Minnesota.

"We have a tough stretch," quarterback Eli Manning told the Giants' official Web site. "Carolina is coming off a big win this past week. They're a tough team, we know that from playing them last year.

"We know we have to keep going. Offensively, we know we have to stay in this rhythm, score some points and help out our defense."

Manning, 2-0 in the regular season versus Carolina, has thrown for six scores and no interceptions in the last two games.

Already with a career-best 26 TDs, Manning needs 179 passing yards to set a career high. He threw for 3,762 yards in his first year as a starter in 2005 and said Sunday will be a day to remember.

"I have only been here six years, but I have a lot of fond memories and great wins," he said. "Obviously for the fans and the ownership, it's a special game for them. You think about how many great teams and great games have been played in Giants Stadium. It will be a special day for us."

The Giants and Jets will share the new $1.6 billion Meadowlands Stadium, scheduled to open in April.

Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw will look to score in three straight games for the first time in his career after running for two first-half touchdowns Monday.

Carolina looks to avoid its first four-game road losing streak since Sept. 29-Nov. 17, 2002.