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NFL · Week 16 · December 21, 2008 · 12 min read

Carolina Panthers vs. New York Giants: 2008 Week 16 Recap

Giants defeat Panthers 34–28 in Week 16

Denzel Ward led Fantasy Impact as Giants prevailed in a 28–34 Week 16 finish.

Carolina Panthers 28 11–4
Final 28–34
New York Giants 34 12–3 Winner
Winner
New York Giants
Final score
28–34
Halftime
Carolina Panthers 21–13 New York Giants
Top passer
E. Manning
FantasyHQ MVP
Denzel Ward
Game date
December 21, 2008

Top fantasy performers · Panthers

  • J.Delhomme 11/19 · 185 YDS · 1 TD +9.8 Fantasy Impact
  • Malik Muhammad 4 REC · 80 YDS +7.2 Fantasy Impact
  • Dorian Williams
    Dorian Williams 24 CAR · 108 YDS · 4 TD +5.7 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Giants

  • Denzel Ward
    Denzel Ward 15 CAR · 215 YDS +14.5 Fantasy Impact
  • D.Hixon 4 REC · 71 YDS +7.3 Fantasy Impact
  • K.Boss 5 REC · 46 YDS · 1 TD +7.3 Fantasy Impact
View Panthers vs Giants box score View all 2008 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
New York Giants
Final score
New York Giants 34–28 Carolina Panthers
Halftime
Carolina Panthers 21–13 New York Giants at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Denzel Ward
Top passer
E. Manning
Biggest EPA play
(6:38) 17-J.Delhomme pass deep left to 87-M.Muhammad to NYG 5 for 60 yards (37-J.Butler, 5…
Game date
2008-12-21

Game summary

The New York Giants beat the Carolina Panthers 34–28 on 2008-12-21, overcoming Carolina Panthers's 21–13 halftime lead. Denzel Ward posted a game-high +14.52 total EPA in the rushing.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 24 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4OTT
Carolina Panthers71407028
New York Giants31078634

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

CARCarolina Panthers
NYGNew York Giants

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

17 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. NYGNew York Giants
    Q1 9:39FG
    JCJ. Carney

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CAR 14
    Score
    0-3

    (9:39) 5-J.Carney 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.

  2. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q1 6:25TD
    Dorian Williams

    Points+6

    Yard line
    NYG 13
    Score
    6-3

    (6:25) 34-D.Williams right guard for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  3. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q1 6:16XP
    JKJ. Kasay

    Points+1

    Yard line
    NYG 2
    Score
    7-3

    4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker. NYG-91-J.Tuck was injured during the play.

  4. NYGNew York Giants
    Q2 13:48TD
    BJB. Jacobs

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CAR 2
    Score
    7-9

    (13:48) 27-B.Jacobs right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  5. NYGNew York Giants
    Q2 13:38XP
    JCJ. Carney

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CAR 2
    Score
    7-10

    5-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.

  6. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q2 8:21TD
    Dorian Williams

    Points+6

    Yard line
    NYG 5
    Score
    13-10

    (8:21) 34-D.Williams left tackle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  7. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q2 8:12XP
    JKJ. Kasay

    Points+1

    Yard line
    NYG 2
    Score
    14-10

    4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker.

  8. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q2 4:54TD
    Dorian Williams

    Points+6

    Yard line
    NYG 1
    Score
    20-10

    (4:54) 34-D.Williams left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  9. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q2 4:45XP
    JKJ. Kasay

    Points+1

    Yard line
    NYG 2
    Score
    21-10

    4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker.

  10. NYGNew York Giants
    Q2 0:55FG
    JCJ. Carney

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CAR 17
    Score
    21-13

    (:55) 5-J.Carney 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.

  11. NYGNew York Giants
    Q3 1:07TD
    KBK. Boss

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CAR 4
    Score
    21-19

    (1:07) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short middle to 89-K.Boss for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  12. NYGNew York Giants
    Q3 0:59XP
    JCJ. Carney

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CAR 2
    Score
    21-20

    5-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.

  13. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q4 13:06TD
    Dorian Williams

    Points+6

    Yard line
    NYG 30
    Score
    27-20

    (13:06) 34-D.Williams right tackle for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  14. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q4 12:50XP
    JKJ. Kasay

    Points+1

    Yard line
    NYG 2
    Score
    28-20

    4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker.

  15. NYGNew York Giants
    Q4 3:24TD
    BJB. Jacobs

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CAR 1
    Score
    28-26

    (3:24) 27-B.Jacobs right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  16. NYGNew York Giants
    Q4 3:21Safety
    EME. Manning

    Points+2

    Yard line
    CAR 2
    Score
    28-28

    TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 10-E.Manning pass to 87-D.Hixon is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.

  17. NYGNew York Giants
    OT 10:09TD
    BJB. Jacobs

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CAR 2
    Score
    28-34

    (10:09) 27-B.Jacobs left guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Denzel WardDenzel Ward · New York Giants · Rushing · +14.52 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.97 EPA/play
  2. 2J. Delhomme · Carolina Panthers · Passing · +9.77 total EPA · 19 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
  3. 3D. Hixon · New York Giants · Receiving · +7.35 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.47 EPA/play
  4. 4K. Boss · New York Giants · Receiving · +7.34 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.47 EPA/play
  5. 5Malik Muhammad · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +7.18 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.79 EPA/play
  6. 6E. Manning · New York Giants · Passing · +6.85 total EPA · 32 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
  7. 7Dorian WilliamsDorian Williams · Carolina Panthers · Rushing · +5.69 total EPA · 24 snaps · +0.24 EPA/play
  8. 8Shi SmithShi Smith · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +4.45 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.48 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

Denzel Ward

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Denzel Ward — NYG · Rushing

Denzel Ward posted the highest total EPA (+14.52) in the game, the strongest overall impact for New York Giants. Across 15 counted snaps, they averaged +0.97 EPA per play.

Denzel Ward's top snap (+3.22 EPA): (12:20) 34-D.Ward up the middle pushed ob at CAR 36 for 51 yards (21-K.Lucas).

Biggest single play (+4.26 EPA): J. Delhomme — (6:38) 17-J.Delhomme pass deep left to 87-M.Muhammad to NYG 5 for 60 yards (37-J.Butler, 58-A.Pierce).

Quarterback report card

E. Manning led all passers in efficiency for New York Giants, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • E. Manning (New York Giants) · 32 dropbacks · 53.1% completion · -3.2% CPOE · +0.21 EPA/play · +6.85 total EPA
  • J. Delhomme (Carolina Panthers) · 19 dropbacks · 57.9% completion · -3.2% CPOE · +0.51 EPA/play · +9.77 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatCarolina PanthersNew York Giants
Offensive EPA/play+0.241+0.229
Offensive success rate52.1%50.5%
Pass EPA/play+0.514+0.214
Rush EPA/play+0.168+0.322
Defensive EPA/play-0.229-0.241
Defensive success rate49.5%47.9%

Drive & efficiency notes

Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Carolina Panthers +0.24, New York Giants +0.23) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Carolina Panthers: +0.24 EPA/play (93rd percentile vs. 2008 team-game averages)
  • New York Giants: +0.23 EPA/play (92nd percentile vs. 2008 team-game averages)
  • Carolina Panthers: 11 drives, +17.14 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
  • New York Giants: 12 drives, +20.81 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Dorian WilliamsCarolina Panthers — Dorian Williams (Q1 6:25)
  • New York Giants — B. Jacobs (Q2 13:48)
  • Dorian WilliamsCarolina Panthers — Dorian Williams (Q2 8:21)
  • Dorian WilliamsCarolina Panthers — Dorian Williams (Q2 4:54)
  • New York Giants — K. Boss (E. Manning pass) (Q3 1:07)
  • Dorian WilliamsCarolina Panthers — Dorian Williams (Q4 13:06)
  • New York Giants — B. Jacobs (Q4 3:24)
  • New York Giants — B. Jacobs (OT 10:09)

Field goals

  • New York Giants — J. Carney (Q1 9:39)
  • New York Giants — J. Carney (Q2 0:55)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 7–3. New York Giants connected on a field goal from the CAR 14 (Q1 9:39) — (9:39) 5-J.Carney 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the NYG 13 (Q1 6:25) — (6:25) 34-D.Williams right guard for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the NYG 2 (Q1 6:16) — 4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker. NYG-91-J.Tuck was injured during the play..

The second quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 14–10. New York Giants found the end zone from the CAR 2 (Q2 13:48) — (13:48) 27-B.Jacobs right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New York Giants added 1 points from the CAR 2 (Q2 13:38) — 5-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the NYG 5 (Q2 8:21) — (8:21) 34-D.Williams left tackle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the NYG 2 (Q2 8:12) — 4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the NYG 1 (Q2 4:54) — (4:54) 34-D.Williams left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the NYG 2 (Q2 4:45) — 4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker.; New York Giants connected on a field goal from the CAR 17 (Q2 0:55) — (:55) 5-J.Carney 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles..

The third quarter: New York Giants won the period 7–0. New York Giants found the end zone from the CAR 4 (Q3 1:07) — (1:07) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short middle to 89-K.Boss for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New York Giants added 1 points from the CAR 2 (Q3 0:59) — 5-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles..

The fourth quarter: New York Giants won the period 8–7. Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the NYG 30 (Q4 13:06) — (13:06) 34-D.Williams right tackle for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the NYG 2 (Q4 12:50) — 4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker.; New York Giants found the end zone from the CAR 1 (Q4 3:24) — (3:24) 27-B.Jacobs right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New York Giants registered a safety from the CAR 2 (Q4 3:21) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 10-E.Manning pass to 87-D.Hixon is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..

Overtime: New York Giants won the period 6–0. New York Giants found the end zone from the CAR 2 (OT 10:09) — (10:09) 27-B.Jacobs left guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • New York Giants (OT 12:20) — (12:20) 34-D.Ward up the middle pushed ob at CAR 36 for 51 yards (21-K.Lucas). [WPA +34.9% · EPA +3.22]
  • Carolina Panthers (Q4 0:09) — (:09) 4-J.Kasay 50 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker. [WPA -21.9% · EPA -1.90]
  • Carolina Panthers (Q4 1:54) — (1:54) 17-J.Delhomme pass short left to 87-M.Muhammad to NYG 37 for 11 yards (23-C.Webster). [WPA +20.4% · EPA +1.57]
  • Carolina Panthers (Q4 13:06) — (13:06) 34-D.Williams right tackle for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +16.6% · EPA +3.42]
  • Carolina Panthers (OT 12:39) — (12:39) 17-J.Delhomme pass incomplete short right to 87-M.Muhammad (35-K.Dockery). [WPA -15.5% · EPA -1.55]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Carolina Panthers (Q2 6:38) — (6:38) 17-J.Delhomme pass deep left to 87-M.Muhammad to NYG 5 for 60 yards (37-J.Butler, 58-A.Pierce). [WPA +9.4% · EPA +4.26]
  • New York Giants (Q1 12:00) — (12:00) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass deep right to 87-D.Hixon to CAR 18 for 40 yards (43-C.Harris). [WPA +12.7% · EPA +3.56]
  • Carolina Panthers (Q4 13:06) — (13:06) 34-D.Williams right tackle for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +16.6% · EPA +3.42]
  • New York Giants (OT 12:20) — (12:20) 34-D.Ward up the middle pushed ob at CAR 36 for 51 yards (21-K.Lucas). [WPA +34.9% · EPA +3.22]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. New York Giants FG (+3) — Q1 9:39 · CAR 14 · Score 0-3
    (9:39) 5-J.Carney 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.
  2. Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q1 6:25 · NYG 13 · Score 6-3
    (6:25) 34-D.Williams right guard for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  3. Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q1 6:16 · NYG 2 · Score 7-3
    4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker. NYG-91-J.Tuck was injured during the play.
  4. New York Giants TD (+6) — Q2 13:48 · CAR 2 · Score 7-9
    (13:48) 27-B.Jacobs right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  5. New York Giants XP (+1) — Q2 13:38 · CAR 2 · Score 7-10
    5-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.
  6. Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q2 8:21 · NYG 5 · Score 13-10
    (8:21) 34-D.Williams left tackle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  7. Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q2 8:12 · NYG 2 · Score 14-10
    4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker.
  8. Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q2 4:54 · NYG 1 · Score 20-10
    (4:54) 34-D.Williams left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  9. Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q2 4:45 · NYG 2 · Score 21-10
    4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker.
  10. New York Giants FG (+3) — Q2 0:55 · CAR 17 · Score 21-13
    (:55) 5-J.Carney 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.
  11. New York Giants TD (+6) — Q3 1:07 · CAR 4 · Score 21-19
    (1:07) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short middle to 89-K.Boss for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  12. New York Giants XP (+1) — Q3 0:59 · CAR 2 · Score 21-20
    5-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.
  13. Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q4 13:06 · NYG 30 · Score 27-20
    (13:06) 34-D.Williams right tackle for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  14. Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q4 12:50 · NYG 2 · Score 28-20
    4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker.
  15. New York Giants TD (+6) — Q4 3:24 · CAR 1 · Score 28-26
    (3:24) 27-B.Jacobs right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  16. New York Giants Safety (+2) — Q4 3:21 · CAR 2 · Score 28-28
    TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 10-E.Manning pass to 87-D.Hixon is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
  17. New York Giants TD (+6) — OT 10:09 · CAR 2 · Score 28-34
    (10:09) 27-B.Jacobs left guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • New York Giants earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
  • Denzel Ward (New York Giants) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • E. Manning (NYG) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Carolina Panthers vs New York Giants on 2008-12-21?

The New York Giants beat the Carolina Panthers 34-28 in Week 16, 2008.

What was the score by quarter in Carolina Panthers vs New York Giants?

Q1: Carolina Panthers 7, New York Giants 3; Q2: Carolina Panthers 14, New York Giants 10; Q3: Carolina Panthers 0, New York Giants 7; Q4: Carolina Panthers 7, New York Giants 8; Q5: Carolina Panthers 0, New York Giants 6; Final: Carolina Panthers 28, New York Giants 34.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Carolina Panthers vs New York Giants?

Carolina Panthers touchdown — D. Williams (Q1 6:25) New York Giants touchdown — B. Jacobs (Q2 13:48) Carolina Panthers touchdown — D. Williams (Q2 8:21) Carolina Panthers touchdown — D. Williams (Q2 4:54) New York Giants touchdown — K. Boss (E. Manning pass) (Q3 1:07) Carolina Panthers touchdown — D. Williams (Q4 13:06) New York Giants touchdown — B. Jacobs (Q4 3:24) New York Giants touchdown — B. Jacobs (OT 10:09) New York Giants field goal — J. Carney (Q1 9:39, 3 pts) New York Giants field goal — J. Carney (Q2 0:55, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Carolina Panthers vs New York Giants?

E. Manning (New York Giants), 53.1% completion, -3.2% CPOE, +0.21 EPA per dropback, +6.85 total passing EPA. J. Delhomme (Carolina Panthers), 57.9% completion, -3.2% CPOE, +0.51 EPA per dropback, +9.77 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Carolina Panthers vs New York Giants?

Denzel Ward (New York Giants) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +14.52 total EPA on Rushing plays. across 15 snaps. Their top snap (+3.22 EPA): (12:20) 34-D.Ward up the middle pushed ob at CAR 36 for 51 yards (21-K.Lucas)..

Was Carolina Panthers vs New York Giants a close game?

Yes — the margin was 6 points. New York Giants won 34-28 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.

Season records after this game

Carolina Panthers

Entered 11-3 Now 11-4 L

New York Giants

Entered 11-3 Now 12-3 W

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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