CHARLOTTE — You're not going to get a lot out of Ben McAdoo about New York this week, but the small bit you do speaks to his experience there.
The Panthers offensive coordinator had a memorable four-year stint with the Giants, building on some early success as a coordinator there and at least having a good first year as head coach, going 11-5 and making the playoffs. The positive vibes didn't last, as he was fired the following year after a 2-10 start.
That kind of wild swing of emotions would leave a mark on anyone, and McAdoo was out of football for a couple of years before stints with the Jaguars and Cowboys led him here.
"I think probably having experience is a lot greater than having an opinion," McAdoo replied when asked what he learned during his time in New York. "You really get a chance to find out what's important to you. I guess that's something you could write about.
"You get an opportunity like I had in New York; it's a great opportunity. I had a chance to learn from a lot of great people. You go in, and you apply things you think you really believe in, and you figure out what you believe in when it's a baptism by fire situation, your first chance to be a head coach in the league. There's nothing really that prepares you for it, and usually, you fall back on the things you grew up with, how you were raised, a lot of it maybe from your high school coach."
He did mention his old coach Rick Foust at Pennsylvania's Homer-Center High ("a hell of a coach") but wasn't much for reminiscing this week. He said a few words about how much he enjoyed some of the people and the area around him during his four years with the Giants, but didn't expound. Since he had a chance to play against them twice last year with the Cowboys (winning both), the new has worn off.
"Right now, it's about getting ready to play a football game. For me to spend any time thinking about that would be kind of selfish and not very smart," McAdoo replied. "Played them twice last year when I was with Dallas and didn't really factor into anything.
"Playing them again this year, there's nothing to it so far. I try to keep it between the ditches, my feelings, and everything. Just getting ready to play a ball game."
That kind of on-to-the-next-thing mentality is helpful to him this week as the Panthers try to rebound from last week's slow start against the Browns (which was followed by an effective stretch of offense in the second half). And McAdoo's ability to move on to the next thing, shifting gears quickly, stands out to those who have known him and worked with them.
Panthers wide receivers coach Joe Dailey was a coaching intern on McAdoo's Giants staff, and his face lights up when he talks about what he's learned from the 45-year-old McAdoo.
"He's a scientist," Dailey said. "He's sharp; he's witty. On top of knowing ball, he has all types of worldly knowledge. So you have an appreciation for someone that can turn the football part off and be a normal person, be one of the guys. And then, when it's time to turn the football back on, he's as sharp as they come. He can tell you the history, the origin of plays, and the people and players that have created schemes because of their talent.
"Not a lot of guys that have that kind of knowledge and wisdom that are still coaching. To have that opportunity, I have to take advantage of that."
Take a look at some pictures from past matchups between the Panthers and Giants. Carolina leads the all-time series 7-5.
Julius Peppers makes a tackle during the game against the Giants on Sun., Oct. 7, 2018.
Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) dives over New York Giants safety James Butler during the Panthers fourth quarter scoring drive in their 34-28 overtime loss to the New York Giants at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Dec. 22, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Giants on Sunday, September 22, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Giants on Sunday, September 22, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Giants on Sunday, September 22, 2013.
Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Giants on Sunday, September 22, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Giants on Sunday, September 22, 2013.
James Bradberry defends Odell Beckham, Jr., during the game against the Giants on Sun., Oct. 7, 2018.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore throws a pass as he is rushed by New York Giants' Justin Tuck (91) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Giants on Sunday, September 22, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Giants on Sunday, September 22, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Giants on Sunday, September 22, 2013.
Cam Newton leaps in the air as he rushes the ball during the game against the Giants on Sun., Oct. 7, 2018.
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) scrambles to avoid being tackled by Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers (90) in the second quarter of their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) heads for the end zone leaving Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) in his wake in the second quarter during their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. The touchdown was reversed on a challenge by the Giants. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) runs past Carolina Panthers' Na'il Diggs (53) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward runs for a 51-yard gain while chased by Carolina Panthers, from left, Chris Harris, Thomas Davis, Na'il Diggs and Jon Beason (52) in overtime of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 34-28. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
The New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers face off at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Colin Jones eyes a loose ball on a fumbled kick return during the game against the Giants on Sun., Oct. 7, 2018.
Carolina Panthers' Drew Carter (18) catches a touchdown pass as New York Giants' Kevin Dockery (35) defends during the second quarter in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers safety Marlon McCree reacts after intercepting a pass in the third quarter against the New York Giants during NFL football action Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Panthers won 23-0. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Christian McCaffrey runs for a touchdown during the game against the Giants on Sun., Oct. 7, 2018.
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber is stopped for a loss by Carolina Panthers' Michael Rucker, left, Will Witherspoon, center, and Julius Peppers during the first quarter in NFL football action Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006 in East Rutherford, N.J. Barber was held to 41 yards rushing on 13 carries for the game. The Panthers won 23-0. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams, left, runs past New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce for a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams (34) and wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad (87) celebrate Williams' fourth quarter 30-yard touchdown run during their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Carolina Pathers DeShaun Foster spins away from New York Giants defenders Nick Greisen, left, Osi Umenyiora (72) and Will Allen during the first quarter in NFL football action Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006 in East Rutherford, N.J. Foster rushed for 151 yards in the Panthers' 23-0 win. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants quarterback Jesse Palmer is grabbed by Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers during the second quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
Donte Jackson breaks up a pass intended for Russell Shepherd during the game against the Giants on Sun., Oct. 7, 2018.
DJ Moore carries the football as he breaks away from a tackle during the game against the Giants on Sun., Oct. 7, 2018.
Christian McCaffrey carries the football during the game against the Giants on Sun., Oct. 7, 2018.
Michael Palardy and Graham Gano celebrate Gano's game-winning 63-yard field goal during the game against the Giants on Sun., Oct. 7, 2018.
