CHARLOTTE – The Panthers had no choice but to quickly move past the 35-27 win over New Orleans due a short week of prep for Thursday night's game versus the Giants, but quarterback Cam Newton wants to make sure an issue from Week 2 is properly identified and corrected.
Newton wasn't happy with how the Panthers offense finished the game against the Saints, failing to convert on third-and-seven with less than two minutes remaining.
That gave Drew Brees and the New Orleans offense one more chance to even the score, but linebacker Jon Beason secured the victory for Carolina moments later with an interception.
"Offensively, we could have done a better job finishing. We put our defense in a bad situation," Newton said. "If we would have finished the way we're capable of, they wouldn't have had the ball. Beason wouldn't have had the opportunity to pick that football off, because all we needed was one first down. If we got the first down, we knee it three times and the game is over."
"Our defense did an excellent job," Newton added. "Even though we played good enough to win the football game, there are some things to shore up."
GEARING UP FOR THE GIANTS: Any offense that takes the field against the Giants' defense has its work cut out for it trying to slow down New York's potent pass rushers along the D-line.
Newton believes his linemen are up for the challenge.
"I've always had confidence in the guys protecting me," he said.
Newton's elusiveness and running ability may offset some of the effectiveness of the Giants' pass rush. The Panthers zone-read rushing attack can also create headaches for defensive linemen looking to charge upfield.
"I definitely think they are going to have their hands full getting ready for our offense in only four days," left tackle Jordan Gross said. "They are going to have a lot of film to study and a lot of reads to (get used to) to deal with No. 1 and the other weapons we have."
SOMETHING TO CHEER ABOUT: Newton is treating Thursday night's primetime game like any other, but he is excited about the unique opportunity it presents the fans.
"We need them to bring their 'A' game come Thursday," he said.
Newton knows the Panthers performance will have the largest impact on the atmosphere created under the lights at Bank of America Stadium.
"The fans have to see maximum effort from the players," Newton said. "I know I wouldn't want to root for somebody if I know he's not giving 110 percent. Everybody has to be able to be seen giving unbelievable effort so that the fans will give their support."
