Giants Rout Panthers, 36-7: Andre Brown, Ramses Barden Unexpected Stars In NY Win

New York Giants wide receiver Ramses Barden (13) tries to break a tackle from Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Eli Manning didn't need a scintillating fourth quarter comeback Thursday night.

The two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback, running back Andre Brown and the rest of the New York Giants were too good for the first three quarters to need one.

Brown ran for a career-high 113 yards and two touchdowns in his first NFL start and the routed the Carolina Panthers 36-7.

Four days after rallying from 14 points down to beat Tampa Bay, the Giants dominated the first half, scoring on their first four possessions to build a 20-0 lead.

The defending champion Giants (2-1) were without three starters but it hardly mattered.

Brown got the start in place of Ahmad Bradshaw, who sat out with a neck injury. Ramses Barden caught nine passes for a career-high 138 yards in his first NFL start in place of Hakeem Nicks.

Manning completed 27 of 35 passes for 288 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.

Cam Newton struggled all night and was pressured into three interceptions. The Panthers (1-2) had five turnovers, including two by returner Joe Adams.

Mixing run and pass, the Giants dominated the opening half, outgaining the Panthers 303-125.

Manning completed 19 of 25 passes for 208 yards in the first half, including a 14-yard touchdown pass to Martellus Bennett to cap the Giants' game-opening drive and set the tone. It capped an eight-play, 80-yard drive and marked the third straight game the Panthers have given up a touchdown on an opponent's first drive.

Brown repeatedly bounced off tacklers and Barden had little trouble getting open against a Carolina defense that failed to pressure Manning.

Brown ran 13 times for 71 yards and a touchdown last week against Tampa Bay and surpassed that total by the end of the first quarter with 77 yards on seven.

Barden had 123 yards on seven carries at halftime.

Before Thursday night, the fourth-year receiver had never managed more than nine catches for 94 yards receiving in a season.

Any hopes that the Panthers would turn things around in the second half were slowed when rookie returner Joe Adams of the ball on the opening kickoff resulting in another field goal for Lawrence Tynes.

The Panthers didn't get on the board until midway through the third quarter when Newton leaped over the pile from a yard out.

NOTES: For the third straight week Carolina receiver Steve Smith sparred with an opposing cornerback during the game. This week's victim was Corey Webster. ... Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart missed his second game of the season because of a toe injury. The Panthers also were without tackle Byron Bell. ... The Panthers honored Olympic gold medal swimmers Cullen Jones and Ricky Berens.

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Loading Slideshow

• Victor Cruz, Jon Beason

  New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs after a catch as Carolina Panthers linebackers Jon Beason (52) and James Anderson (50) defend during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012.

• Eli Manning, Dwan Edwards

  New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass under pressure from Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Dwan Edwards (92) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012.

• Victor Cruz

  New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) warms up before an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012.

• Eli Manning

  New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012.

• Andre Brown, James Anderson

  New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) rushes through a tackle from Carolina Panthers linebacker James Anderson (50) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012.

• Tom Coughlin

  New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin watches during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012.

• DeAngelo Williams, Osi Umenyiora

  Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) rushes past New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012.

• Martellus Bennett

  New York Giants wide receiver Martellus Bennett (85) celebrates after his touchdown catch against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012.

• Ramses Barden, Luke Kuechly

  New York Giants wide receiver Ramses Barden (13) tries to break a tackle from Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012.

• Andre Brown, Josh Norman

  New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) rushes as Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) defends during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012.

• Cam Newton, Jason Pierre-Paul

  Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012.

• Cam Newton, Linval Joseph

  Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) looks to pass under pressure from New York Giants defensive tackle Linval Joseph (97) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012.

• Jayron Hosley, Brandon LaFell

  New York Giants cornerback Jayron Hosley (28) intercepts a pass intended for Carolina Panthers wide receiver Brandon LaFell (11) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012.

• Cam Newton, Osi Umenyiora

  Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012.

• Andre Brown, Josh Norman

  New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) reaches in vain for the goal line as Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) and safety Haruki Nakamura (43) defend during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012.

• Cam Newton, Justin Tuck

  Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) throws a pass under pressure from New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012.

• Michael Boley

  Michael Boley #59 of the New York Giants celebrates with teammates after making an interception against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

• Eli Manning

  Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants runs with the ball against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

• Eli Manning

  Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants celebrates after a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

• Eli Manning

  Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants reacts after a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during play at Bank of America Stadium on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

• Andre Brown

  Andre Brown #35 of the New York Giants breaks away from Charles Godfrey #30 of the Carolina Panthers for a long gain during play at Bank of America Stadium on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

• Michael Boley, Steve Smith

  Officials separate Michael Boley #59 of the New York Giants and Steve Smith #89 of the Carolina Panthers as the scuffle after a play at Bank of America Stadium on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

• Martellus Bennett

  Martellus Bennett #85 of the New York Giants makes a reception in the first half against Chris Gamble #20 and James Anderson #50 of the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

• Jayron Hosley

  Jayron Hosley #28 of the New York Giants intercepts a pass in the second quarter against Brandon LaFell #11 of the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

• Victor Cruz

  Victor Cruz #80 of the New York Giants makes a catch as Charles Godfrey #30 of the Carolina Panthers defends during play at Bank of America Stadium on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

• Ramses Barden

  Ramses Barden #13 of the New York Giants stiff-arms Luke Kuechly #59 of the Carolina Panthers during play at Bank of America Stadium on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

• Andre Brown

  Andre Brown #35 of the New York Giants is knocked out of bounds by Charles Godfrey #30 and Haruki Nakamura #43 of the Carolina Panthers during play at Bank of America Stadium on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

• Andre Brown

  Andre Brown #35 of the New York Giants runs with the ball in the first half against Luke Kuechly #59 of the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

• Cam Newton

  Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after he was sacked in the first half against the New York Giants at Bank of America Stadium on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

• Tom Coughlin

  Head coach Tom Coughlin of the New York Giants reacts to a call during their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

• Cam Newton

  Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers dives for a touchdown against the New York Giants during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

• Cam Newton

  Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers drops back to pass against the New York Giants during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Comments

[goodpyr]

08:42 PM on 09/22/2012

Wanted: Professional Eggwarmer to sit on Egg laid by Carolina (Panthers?)
on Thurs Night Football.

[arderodney]

07:26 PM on 09/22/2012

It was like the worldly Giants vs. the callow, nascent Panthers (Kittens)..- here kitty, kitty..

[jubo]

06:22 PM on 09/21/2012

Love the character of this team.... and the characters among it.

[jubo]

06:00 PM on 09/21/2012

There are caveats indeed (injuries foremost) but my goodness what a job our GM has done.

G Men start with our GMens; Young, Accorsi, Reese.

Yet whom hires them? The Maras. They know their sport very well.

[arderodney]

07:31 PM on 09/22/2012

Reese is a genius.. he's hunting these hungry to win-famine- players.. & people wonder why the G Men are Super Bowl champs..

[FatLemonJefferson]

11:59 PM on 09/22/2012

He's a great GM. However, I think Eli makes the receivers better. Look at the receivers who have left the Giants - I'm thinking specifically Steve Smith, Kevin Boss and Mario Manningham. While it's probably a little early to comment on Manningham, Smith and Boss haven't played nearly as well as they did with the Giants.

[kidfishman]

05:53 PM on 09/21/2012

Manning is an ELIte QB, as evidenced by transforming subs into superheroes, while the self-proclaimed Superman on Cam-olina was Super-Mediocre. More ranting at The Spread Zone:

http://www.thespreadzone.blogspot.com/2012/09/friday-morning-rant-new-york-sub-way.html

[noaxe397]

05:28 PM on 09/21/2012

I'm glad the Giants are playing teams in the southern divisions this year.  That will probably garauntee them a return to the playoffs.

Last year, and so far this year, Manning is proving he is the premier QB in the NFL.

[Timo Love]

01:34 PM on 09/21/2012

Great to see Giants wins so decisively and play so smoothly without the starters.

[WheelOfMorality]

11:57 AM on 09/21/2012

Hungry for Philly!

[rigmoten]

11:08 AM on 09/21/2012

I picked up A. Brown on waivers as sweetener for a trade. Had a gut feeling about him last night, started him and BAM 27 points, more than 3x what was projected.

[stevestrange]

10:47 AM on 09/21/2012

Go Giants..Impressive win. My co-workers, my friends.."Panther's gonna' spank the Giants!" even the analysts. And look..I really respect Cam Newton and S. Smith but..The Panthers defense sucks. And the Giants aren't the champs by luck.

[Mr Muckle]

04:32 PM on 09/21/2012

Seems like everybody forgot that they just won the SB. What more does a team have to do?

[jubo]

06:06 PM on 09/21/2012

Seriously, these analysts, Irvin, Faulk, Mariucci and, yet however reluctantly, Deion....

Well... would be fired if they had a real job.

[ramman]

09:53 AM on 09/21/2012

I didn't totally believe the Panthers would win this game but I certainly expected them to at least compete. They actually stunk up the field last night, the night where they had a chance to shine and show case the play we don't get to see often other than highlights. Well the only highlights we saw from that game were from Manning and his Giants. The crazy part was wether it was defense or offense they seemed to be a step slower than the giants as a team. They had better get themselves together quick before a possibly good season becomes a horrible one.

[Freddy Caple]

08:17 AM on 09/21/2012

The Giants really needed to find some dept offensively and it looks like they have. Andre Brown may be hard running enough to take over as the starter even when Bradshaw gets back. They may have found a gem! superbowlticketdeals.com

[FirstGame72]

07:46 AM on 09/21/2012

This game more than any other recently is an excellent illustration of how and why the Giants have had so much success in the "Coughlin Era" - 7 straight non losing seasons and looking good for number 8 this year.
The Giants have consistently done two things well (that make any nfl franchise winners): Draft solid players and then train and coach them to be productive.
How many of Eli Manning's offensive "weapons" and O-line have turned over since he lead them to an 11-5 record in 2005? Perhaps ALL of them. How many skill position players have the Giants had with huge numbers who have left the team for one reason or another only to be replaced by another player who then puts up as good or better numbers?
That kind of high level continuity over a number of years means: Great drafts by a GM and great work by a coaching staff. Which is why I again have to give a special "shout out" to perhaps the most underrated assistant coach (or coordinator) in NY Giants history, Kevin Gilbride.

[Vinkaye]

08:22 AM on 09/21/2012

Absolutely true. In the NFL today, the ability of your subs to come on the field and perform, is as important as the ability of your starters. Every team is going to suffer injuries throughout the season, the teams that are at the top, season after season, are the ones who have the talent on the bench, to fill the gaps. The Giants showed that last night.

[FirstGame72]

08:32 AM on 09/21/2012

That's a big part of it but another huge factor is because the NFL has such a hard salary cap (some might say harsh) it's just impossible to get and keep star players on every facet of a team (look at the packers last year and their last ranked defense).
So it's falls on the shoulders of the coaching staff to train and school the players they do have and get the most out of them (from technique through strategy) and in that Coughlin and his staff have been in the top 5 of the NFL for 8 years.

[jubo]

06:20 PM on 09/21/2012

Intrigue... remember his fisticuff with Buddy Ryan whence with the Oilers (not sure they were the Titans yet)?

Two SB's later he's scheming against his sons.

[robXdion]

07:21 AM on 09/21/2012

Funny how some blame the Panthers' lost on Newton as if he plays defense, O-line, special teams and catches his own passes too.

That was a disaster, but Newton wasn't the cause. The Panthers' roster is loaded with scrubs waived from other teams. Can't stop the run, never touch Eli and letting Cruz camp out in the secondary?

[FirstGame72]

07:34 AM on 09/21/2012

Agree 100%. No way that Panthers loss was the QB's fault in any way. Okay, maybe 10%.

[reste0123]

09:16 AM on 09/21/2012

Funny thing, watching the "pre game show" all the great announcers (LOL) ALL picked the Panthers to WIN..Why??? Because they said of Cam Newton..They ALL had him walking on water, that was BEFORE the game. AFTER the game they gave ELI his due. Wonder why NOT BEFORE..After all, Eli is a TWO super bowl champ. Cam is a 2nd year player that is good, NOT GREAT but good. The HUGE difference between the 2 quaterbacks is Cam is athletic where Eli is not. BUT and a BIG BUT..Eli has talent and that makes for all the difference in the world...Look at ALL the GREAT QB's..ALL have TALENT..Brees, Peyton, Brady, Rogers, Rivers, Stafford, Ryan..These guys do and Will wear the rings. Cam, he can do his Superman act all he wants, but he will NEVER get the ring...Cam will fill seats, but Talent and great defense wins CHAMPIONSHIPS...

[benji85]

07:46 AM on 09/21/2012

When you're the star you get all the glory and all blame, regardless of whether or not you deserve it.

[robXdion]

08:17 AM on 09/21/2012

Apparently you didn't watch the game or don't understand it's fundamentals. You should attribute this loss to the COACHES who control defense and overall player development on both sides of the ball. Bashing only the QB in that debacle is lunacy. But I do understand the difference in perception for certain QBs.

[FDRliberal]

01:52 AM on 09/21/2012

Utter domination.