Panthers Edge Giants in Munich Overtime Thriller

The Carolina Panthers edged out the New York Giants with a 20-17 overtime victory in Munich. Rounding off the 2024 international slate, the Allianz Arena, home to Bundesliga juggernaut Bayern Munich, played host to two struggling NFC teams.

It was always going to be a slugfest, with both offences finding it hard to score points so far this season. And a low-scoring affair it was, with Panther Kicker Eddie Pinero firing a mid-length field goal in overtime to secure a Carolina win. It meant that the Panthers notched their second win in as many weeks, after overcoming a fragmented New Orleans Saints side a week prior, who sacked their head coach Dennis Allen the day after. It is the first Panthers win streak since they opened the 2021 season with three straight. An astonishing stat which highlights Carolina’s recent struggles.

The defacto home team for the solo German game of 2024, Carolina was on top for the majority of the game. But Daniel Jones pioneered a late comeback by the Giants who were down 17-7. They scored a touchdown and then a field goal to tie the game up. The scores were still level after regulation so the German fans were treated to overtime. But OT did not last long, as young back Tyrone Tracy Jr. fumbled the ball on the first play of OT for the Giants. To rub salt further into the wounds, it was recovered by a former Giant in defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson. It gave Bryce Young an excellent field position with only a field goal needed for the W. They ran three straight inside runs with Chuba Hubbard to set up Pinero for the game-winner. And the kicker made no mistake. Heartbreak for Tracy and New York, who could have pulled off an impressive comeback win. instead, they head into their bye with the future of Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback unknown.

On the other hand, 2023 number one overall pick Bryce Young has shown improvement since returning under centre following Andy Dalton’s injury. His box scores aren’t outstanding, but that is why you have to watch the game to understand the full picture. He has looked more calm in the pocket, and more accurate with his throws, utilising rookie receivers Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette. Young took just one sack on Sunday, and evaded the pocket well, with two rushes for 30 yards. He is a long way still from being a solid starting QB, but he is showing signs that he can do it in the NFL. Young still has limited resources around him, which have been attributed to his underperformance. But Coach Canales appears to be calling games to cater to Young being somewhat effective as a passer.

But running back Chuba Hubbard, fresh off signing a new deal during the week, was the star of the show in Munich. He became the first player born outside the States to have over 150 rushing or receiving yards and a rushing touchdown in an NFL international game. The upcoming insertion of rookie Jonathan Brooks into the lineup will pose questions for the workload of both Brooks and Hubbard after the former has been injured all season up to this point. He could make his debut for the Panthers after they return from their bye to face the undefeated Chiefs in week 12. Supposedly, a good problem to have, but the Panthers drafted Brooks to be their next guy, yet also just gave Hubbard a massive extension. Both could become frustrated with a shared workload going forward.

Carolina also awaits the return of veteran receiver Adam Thielen, but Young has formed a degree of chemistry with the aforementioned rookie receivers. If the Panthers can keep the offensive flow with Young, whilst becoming a bit more stingy on defence, then they could be a difficult team to face in the playoff run-in. Coach Canales will want to build some positive energy and momentum going into next season, but each Panthers win also puts them lower down the draft order for 2025. However, the upcoming draft class is not tipped to be too strong, especially at quarterback, meaning Young may well return in 2025 if he continues to develop incrementally.