Panthers Cruise Past Giants

Ron Rivera lives to see another game. In a battle of disappointing 0-2 teams, we learned which team is a lot less disappointing. Carolina (1-2) demolished the New York Giants 38-0, a laughable game that was sweet revenge for the 36-7 drubbing that the Giants (0-3) handed the Panthers last season.

Source: Star Gazette

Eli Manning was visibly frustrated throughout the game, throwing for just 119 yards as the Panthers front seven pounded him into the ground for a whopping seven sacks, led by three from Greg Hardy. The Giants were shut down offensively despite Carolina's rag tag secondary made up mostly of practice squad bodies and free agents brought in just this week. The strange group made up of rookies Melvin White and Robert Lester, along with Drayton Florence and Mike Mitchell, played admirably, shutting down the Giants two dangerous wideouts, Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks.

Source: SB Nation

Offensive coordinator Mike Shula finally seems to understand how to effectively use Cam Newton, and overall the Panthers offense seems to be realizing its full potential. After an early interception, Newton threw for 223 yards and three touchdowns and added another one on the ground. Shula threw in some read option plays and designed runs for Newton to keep the Giants impressive defensive line honest, and it worked to perfection. Cam was getting rid of the ball quickly and making good decisions, and Shula once again allowed Newton to heave the ball over the top of the secondary, leading to a 47 yard touchdown between Newton and Ted Ginn Jr. Brandon Lafell also caught two touchdown passes, and he looked like the number two receiver that Carolina had hoped he would be when they drafted him in 2010.

DeAngelo Williams ran for 120 yards on 23 carriers for a 5.2 yards per carry average. The offensive line opened up gaping whole all day long, and the Panthers were able to total 194 yards on the ground, including touchdowns from Newton and Mike Tolbert.

Source: Panthers.com

Head coach Ron Rivera was on the hot seat following his team's fourth quarter collapses against Seattle and Buffalo, but he may have saved himself with this huge blowout win. Reports are surfacing around the league now that Rivera will not be fired during the season, but there are no guarantees in the NFL, so Rivera shouldn't get too cozy. The organization still cannot ignore Rivera's 2-14 record in games decided by one score or less, and his 14-21 overall record. Even so, Rivera's specialty is defense and we are beginning to see a great one develop in Carolina, so we may finally be seeing his blueprint beginning to come together.

The 38-0 loss was the biggest of Tom Coughlin's career, and also the biggest win in franchise history for the Panthers.

It looks like the Panthers' plan may finally be coming together, and Ron Rivera is sitting on a seat that is not quite as hot as it was coming into the week. Carolina gets a bye week next week to prepare for the Arizona Cardinals in week five.