CHARLOTTE - The New York Giants (1-5) seemed to be rounding into shape as a challenger in the NFC after a 27-21 win over New Orleans in Week 4.
They had come off consecutive last-minute close losses to Washington and Atlanta and appeared to be finally getting over the hump.
Then the last two weeks happened.
Injuries. Tough opponents. Blowout losses to the Cowboys and Rams.
The Giants sit at the bottom of the NFC East with plenty of questions swirling in the New York media. Let's see more about what awaits the Panthers this weekend.
DANNY DIMES
Charlotte-native Daniel Jones will be making his first career start against his hometown team. Jones went to Charlotte Latin and Duke before being selected sixth overall by former Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman in the 2019 Draft.
A Panthers fan as a kid, Jones probably wishes his first-ever game against Carolina came in better circumstances.
Jones suffered a concussion in Week 5 against the Cowboys, leaving the game early. He returned to play last week, but didn't fare well, completing just 29-of-51 passes for 242 yards and three interceptions and a lost fumble.
On the season, Jones has completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 1524 yards. His four passing touchdowns are tied for the fewest among quarterbacks who've started all four games this season.
OFFENSIVE INJURIES
While Jones recovered from a concussion, many of the rest of his offensive weapons were dealing with other injuries last week.
Running back Saquon Barkley (ankle), wide receiver Kenny Golladay (knee), and wide receiver Darius Slayton (hamstring) weren't active against the Rams.
Wide receiver Kadarius Toney left early with an ankle injury that had already been bothering him, and left tackle Andrew Thomas left with an ankle injury as well.
Keeping an eye on the Giants injury reports throughout the week will be necessary to determine what group of offensive players will be on the field on Sunday.
BRADBERRY VS. FORMER TEAM
Former Panthers cornerback James Bradberry ranked fourth in the NFL last year with a 70.1 passer rating allowed, making three interceptions and 14 pass breakups.
This season, he's already allowed four touchdowns and an opposing passer rating of 114.2.
New York's defense ranks 29th with 28.3 points allowed per game and 27th with 401.3 yards allowed per game.
Against the Rams, they allowed four touchdowns through the air, while Dallas had three passing touchdowns and 515 net yards.
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.
