If you didn’t think the Carolina Panthers could get off to a worse start than they did in last week’s season-opening loss to the Cleveland Browns, then do we have a surprise for you!
On the opening kickoff of their Week 2 matchup with the New York Giants, the Panthers sent second-year running back Chuba Hubbard to take on return duties for an injured Andre Roberts. And in that first taste of action this year, Hubbard fumbled the attempt after a hit from Giants linebacker Carter Coughlin.
GOOD START 😏
📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/xzLRHxv3W2
— New York Giants (@Giants) September 18, 2022
Rookie safety Dane Belton, in the very first play of his NFL career, recovered the ball for New York. That quick turn of events would then lead to an easy 36-yard field goal from old friend Graham Gano.
But if that wasn’t enough of a rough beginning to this potentially fateful afternoon, the offense would follow with a turnover of their own. On their opening possession, wide receiver Robbie Anderson couldn’t hold on from a hit from cornerback Darnay Holmes.
ANOTHER ONE!!!!!!!!! 📢
📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/YTEbQf7kWb
— New York Giants (@Giants) September 18, 2022
Luckily for the Panthers, their defense would hold for their second straight stand. But the Giants, again, turned the takeaway into three more points.
The Panthers trailed 6-0 at the 2:30 mark of the first quarter.
