Panthers coach John Fox spent five years as the Giants defensive coordinator, making today’s final Giants game at Giants Stadium nostalgic for him as well.
Fox recalled the 41-0 rout of the Vikings in the 2000 NFC Championship Game as his fondest memory.
“That whole [playoff] run was tremendous,” Fox said. “That stadium, it is almost indescribable the energy and the excitement in that stadium.
“In those two games I don’t know if I ever have been in an outdoor stadium that loud.”
The Panthers are 6-8 and out of playoff contention, leading to speculation that Fox might be in danger of losing his job.
“It is something I don’t think about that much,” Fox said.
“My focus is on the Giants right now. I am completing my 20th season [in the NFL] so I don’t worry about job security much.”
* The Giants need help to make it to their fifth consecutive postseason, needing at least one loss in the last two games by the Cowboys or Packers.
That’s not too much to ask as far as the Giants are concerned.
“There’s been a lot of parity in this league this year and we honestly believe if we handle our business there’s a great chance we can get in,” DT Barry Cofield said.
“If it doesn’t happen, so be it, but the way this league’s been, as competitive as it’s been and the amount of parity that’s taken place, we feel we’ve got a great chance.”
* The Panthers have had to do some major shuffling on their offensive line, forced moves the Giants hope to be able to exploit.
Ace LT Jordan Gross was put on injured reserve in mid-November and two weeks ago RT Jeff Otah also was lost for the season.
Losing both starting tackles is not easy to deal with and Carolina will go with Travelle Wharton at left tackle and Geoff Schwartz at right tackle.
“I think our staff and our players have done a great job of hanging tough,” Fox said.
“The next batter is up and he needs to get a hit.”
* The final game the Giants will play in their stadium will be filled with nostalgic moments.
Two longtime season ticket holders will serve as honorary captains, the halftime show will feature a taped Bruce Springsteen version of “Wrecking Ball,” the song he wrote to commemorate the closing of the stadium.
A video of the greatest Giants Stadium plays and moments will be shown and a special program selling for $1 — the price back in 1976 when the stadium opened — will be available.