Carolina Panthers: Key players to watch against New York Giants

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CHARLOTTE, NC – AUGUST 22: Shaq Green-Thompson #54 of the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on August 22, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Shaq Thompson

While the New York Giants have the highest paid wide receiver in the game, Odell Beckham Jr., their top offensive weapon is Saquon Barkley. The rookie running back has had 20 or more touches over the past three games and is averaging 117.6 yards from scrimmage in those games.

This is why Shaq Thompson will be so important in this game as he will likely be tasked with trying to neutralize Barkley in the passing game. The Giants have leaned heavily on the screen game through the first four games and has the fifth most receiving yards from screen plays.

The quicker Thompson is able to identify these screen plays, the better his chances of stopping it in the backfield. If he is able to get through the blockers before they are set, it can potentially slow Barkley’s chances of making an impact play.

The Panthers’ defense will need a big game from their athletic linebacker to try and stop a big part of the Giants’ offense.

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