NY Giants Schedule: Top-10 season openers of all-time

3. September 12, 2010 – NY Giants 31, Carolina Panthers 18

There’s no better way to break in a new $1.6 billion-dollar stadium than with a win, and that’s exactly what the NY Giants did in the first ever game at MetLife Stadium to kickoff the 2010 season.

Although it took about a half to get adjusted to the new house, eventually Big Blue settled in and took care of business despite a sloppy game overall. Despite being down 16-14 at halftime, the Giants would outscore Carolina 17-2 in the second half never looked back after taking control of the game.

The Giants had almost 140 more total yards of offense compared to the Panthers as well as seven more first downs and a 9 minute advantage in time of possession. Sloppiness in the way of turnovers (three interceptions and a fumble lost). poor special teams play (blocked punt resulting in a safety), and penalties (9 for 95 yards) kept the game much closer than the final score might suggest.

Eli Manning would go 20-30 for 263 yards and 3 touchdown passes – all to wideout Hakeem Nicks. Ahmad Bradshaw would add 76 yards on the ground including a score as well. New York’s defense held Carolina to just 237 yards of offense and forced five turnovers – three interceptions and two fumble recoveries – while adding four sacks as well.

Perhaps just as satisfying as a successful homecoming at the new stadium was the revenge factor of the win. In Week 16 of the previous season, Big Blue had their playoffs hoped violently taken from them at the hands of Carolina, giving up 247 rushing yards in a 41-9 loss.

Either way, this season opening win was a great start to the 2010 season and MetLife Stadium.