Fighting giants, Panthers ready for a change of scenery in Munich

The New York Giants and Carolina Panthers are getting a dose of something they both badly need.

It’s a change of scenery as the teams meet on Sunday in Munich.

“It’s going to be a little different flavor,” Carolina coach Dave Canales said of the overseas trip.

Both teams have 2-7 records. The Giants have lost four straight games, while the Panthers scored a 23-22 home win against the New Orleans Saints last week to snap a five-game skid.

New York’s misery has come in many forms, with one particular theme.

“The results stink,” Giants coach Brian Daboll said.

Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has come under increasing scrutiny during the team’s losing streak. He’s from Charlotte, so he’ll be facing his hometown team.

Jones completed 20 of 26 passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns in New York’s 27-22 loss to the Washington Commanders last week.

“He’s made a lot of good decisions,” Daboll said. “He’s improved some things we’ve been working on. He’s got the right mindset.”

As for the Panthers’ quarterback situation, Canales said Bryce Young, who orchestrated last week’s win, would start for the third straight game. Andy Dalton, who has been dealing with a thumb injury, is feeling better and ready for regular duty.

Leading a game-winning drive in the final minutes against the Saints, Young scored a touchdown for the Panthers.

“This is about progress from one week to the next,” Canales said. “That finish, that’s what we’re looking for.”

The Panthers continued to make roster-impacting moves. Receiver Jonathan Mingo was traded to the Dallas Cowboys this week in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round draft pick.

Carolina could reload at receiver if Adam Thielen, who hasn’t played in a game since the third week of the season with a hamstring injury, is ready to play. However, he sat out of practice on Wednesday. Jordan Matthews, a former receiver who played tight end recently, has the versatility to move back to receiver, Canales said.

The Panthers will see former teammate Brian Burns, who is in his first season on the Giants’ defensive front.

“He’s been a good addition for us,” Daboll said. “Good leadership, good player for us. I’m glad we got him.”

Carolina players saw Burns’ ability to trouble opponents when he was a teammate.

“Burns, he can bend like nobody else,” Panthers offensive lineman Brady Christensen said. “He’s 6-5 and long and can bend.”

The Giants designated former Panthers tight end Graham Gano to return to practice this week, meaning he could be activated for the Carolina game. He was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. If he can’t go, Jude McAtamney would get the nod for a second straight game.

Running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) could also be added to Carolina’s mix on offense as he nears coming off the injured list. He trained fully on Wednesday.

Canales said it is encouraging that Brooks may be ready to return to action, although a final decision will be made later in the week.

The Panthers are trying to sort out their offensive line. Ikem Ekwonu (ankle) may return from a one-game absence, so that could mean another change for Christensen, who has played various spots on the line.

Canales was an assistant coach in Seattle when the Seahawks visited Munich for a game in 2022, so he is familiar with the likely atmosphere for Sunday’s game.

“It’s a big exposure,” he said. “It’s a very nice experience.”

The Panthers are 7-6 all-time against the Giants.

–Within field level