Carolina Panthers preserve run after thrilling win over New York Giants
Monday 21 December 2015 07:25, UK
Graham Gano kicked a late field goal as the Carolina Panthers preserved their unbeaten record with a pulsating 38-35 win over the New York Giants in a match marred by several flashpoints involving Odell Beckham Jr.
Scotland-born Gano held his nerve to convert a 43-yard effort after a masterful late drive by Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, who marched Carolina back into field goal range after Beckham's late touchdown had tied it up at 35-35.
It was tough on the Giants who had clawed their way back into this fine contest after trailing 35-7 in this match live on Sky Sports.
Newton, who had left the game in the third quarter with what appeared to be a knee injury before returning, finished with another remarkable set of figures, throwing for five touchdowns and 340 yards as well as picking up 100 rushing yards.
But Newton's latest dazzling performance in the Panthers' 14-0 season was overshadowed by a fiery display from Giants superstar Beckham.
The receiver was issued with no fewer than three personal fouls during an ill-tempered display as his frustration boiled over.
The major incident came during the second half when Beckham launched himself at Panthers cornerback Josh Norman, spearing into the Carolina defensive player's head in an ugly helmet-to-helmet clash.
Beckham was lucky not to have been ejected for the foul and could yet face further disciplinary action over the incident from NFL chiefs.
Panthers star Newton was relieved to have clinched victory after New York had fought back and said: "We've been in this place before.
"We had an unbelievable great game. We've just got to be better at finishing at the end. That was embarrassing how we let those guys come back.
"We've got to find ways of getting better. We knew it wasn't going to be easy but I'm just glad to have a kicker that could push it through."
Newton declined to be drawn on the specifics of Beckham's multiple transgressions, saying only: "It's obvious what he did. Odell's a great guy ... it's all fun and games that's all it is."
