[EmpireWF]

The Panthers beat the Giants last night in their pre-season opener at Giants Stadium.

The first quarter ended with both teams tied at 7, though. The Giants starters scored when Eli Manning hit Jeremy Shockey with a seven-yard TD pass.

Manning left the game having completed three of five passes for 27 yards, with the lone touchdown.

According to Michael Eisen of Giants.com, the Giants defense was anything but strong. They allowed the Panthers starting offense to march down the field on their way to a 81-yard drive. The result of the drive was a Jake Delhomme TD pass to Steve Smith.

From the AP: "Things didn't go the way we wanted it to," Pro Bowl linebacker Antonio Pierce said. "Opening up the preseason by letting the other team score a touchdown on their first drive is not good. We've got a lot of work to do. We are still learning this new defense, but that's no excuse."

[Gotham Dark Knight]

The Panthers rushed for 154 yards on 31 carries, including 62 yards by DeShaun Foster. The Giants had almost identical rushing stats (156 yards on 30 attempts). Reserve Ryan Grant led the way with 44 yards on five carries.
“Ryan Grant and Derrick Ward did a nice job,” Coughlin said. “They showed me some quickness.”

Looks like the Giants were able to run the ball even without Tiki...a good sign for Manning.