Big Blue Must Stop Panthers' High-Powered 'O'
December 19
New York Post
" The Giants are set to face perhaps the NFL's best one-two rushing punch, as well as one of the league's most dangerous wide receivers, when they play the Panthers on Sunday night.
So which do you try to stop: The running back duo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, who have rushed for nearly 2,000 yards and 23 touchdowns this season or receiver Steve Smith, who has put up his typical numbers (70, 1,229, six TDs)?
If you're the Giants, in desperate need of a victory over Carolina, you'd like to do both, but defensive tackle Fred Robbins wants to make sure they at least don't let Williams and Stewart beat them.
Most importantly, though, Robbins wants to be on the field against a team that comes to Giants Stadium having won three straight - scoring at least 30 points in each game.
Robbins is battling a shoulder injury, but was able to practice yesterday in limited capacity and intends to play against the Panthers in a game that will determine the top seed in the NFC playoffs.
"That's the plan," said Robbins, adding that his shoulder is feeling stronger by the day.
He'll be a major part of trying to contain Carolina's running backs, who defensive end Matthias Kiwanuka described as likely the best tandem the Giants have faced this season. Kiwanuka knows how integral having Robbins on the field would be in containing the backs.
"He's a huge part of our defense in leadership and production," Kiwanuka said. "He tracks down screens and draws better than any tackle, I think, in the league and he can rush the passer. Teams pay a lot of attention to him. When he's not in the lineup, me and [defensive end Justin] Tuck see some extra blockers." "
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