Which team will be able to establish it's running game?

[stankowalski]

Will we be able to establish the running game against the Giants? Will they be able to establish the running game against us? The team that is more successful in running the ball will probably win this game. Both teams are in the top 5 in the league in rushing offense. The Giants have been able to do that against better rushing defenses on average (they've played against every team in the top 5 in rushing defense, except themselves of course). Whereas we have only played against two teams currently ranked in the top ten against the rush.

They are tied for first in rushing, while we are ranked 18th against the rush. We are fourth in the league in rushing, while they are ranked 4th against the run. They have only played two teams that are in the top half of the league in rushing (Baltimore 6th, Washington 8th). We have played against 6 teams that are in the top half of the league in rushing (Atlanta 1st, Minnesota 3rd, Oakland 10th, Tampa Bay 13th, Kansas City 14th, and Denver 16th).

There are some mitigating factors to consider here. Plax won't be playing and I believe that helps our run defense because we won't have to defend against certain situations. Brandon Jacobs will probably play but will he be 100%? Our offensive line has been playing together for 4 straight weeks now and is looking very good.

[Delhomeboy]

I honestly think it comes down to desire. The two lines match up pretty well, but if we go out their determined to massacre their d-line on every play, I think we will.

[mountainpantherfan]

Both teams will have good games running the ball. Both defenses will make some plays but overall this will not be a defensive battle. IMO and the reason why I think the Panthers win this game will come down to the Panther's passing game and Steve Smith.

[pantherclaw]

I think both will be able to run....but which one will run better?

And the Panthers will be able to balance the attack out much easier than the Giants will be able to. IMO.

[Mr. Scot]

One way to look at it: Based on the perception of their receivers vs ours, we'd be taking less of a risk stacking the box than they would.

Will that play out? Don't know, but it's a consideration.

[stankowalski]

I think both will be able to run....but which one will run better?

And the Panthers will be able to balance the attack out much easier than the Giants will be able to. IMO.

I don't know...if it snows we may be in trouble. We won't be able to stretch the field with Smitty as easily.

[pantherclaw]

Just cause it snows, doesn't mean we can't pass. I don't expect us to pass more than we run, cause I expect more of a ball control effort this weekend in the weather....but the weather actually plays into Smitty's hands.

[Mr. Scot]

I don't know...if it snows we may be in trouble. We won't be able to stretch the field with Smitty as easily.

Valid point.

Also valid that Smith is as much a "yards after catch" receiver as he is a deep threat. Weather hurts deep threat receivers more than it does guys who just need to get the ball into their hands and run with it.

[Peppers90 NC]

Whoever runs the ball Sunday was determined yesterday and today. It is whoever wants it and has a hungry, mean attitude.

[stankowalski]

Valid point.

Also valid that Smith is as much a "yards after catch" receiver as he is a deep threat. Weather hurts deep threat receivers more than it does guys who just need to get the ball into their hands and run with it.

Yeah, that's why the prospect of snow kind of worries me. The Giants don't rely on those pass plays near as much as we do. Smitty is one of the reasons why our running game works so well because you have to keep a safety back there to guard against the deep pass. If it snows I don't think that big play will be there down the field and the safeties will be able to play a bit closer to the line because of that.