The Carolina Panthers began Week 2 in midseason form as they watched their own Chuba Hubbard fumble the opening kickoff from the New York Giants Graham Gano. The Giants started the first offensive drive of the game inside the Panthers 30, but were held to just three plays and a field goal by a surprisingly stout Panthers defense. That defensive stand was keyed by a Donte Jackson tackle for loss.
The following Panthers drive began with a five yard hand off to Christian McCaffrey (followed by a second carry and a first down-generating face mask penalty) as they opened this week with an emphasis on establishing the run.