NY Giants studs and duds: Azeez Ojulari enters Rookie of Year convo vs. Panthers

The NY Giants defense rose to the occasion, and Daniel Jones lifted the offense past the Carolina Panthers in blowout fashion

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — For the second consecutive week, the NY Giants were drastically undermanned, but were lifted by a signature performance from quarterback Daniel Jones and a swarming defense that stifled the Carolina Panthers throughout a 25-3 win Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium.

Despite running back Saquon Barkley, left tackle Andrew Thomas, wide receiver Kadarius Toney, and wide receiver Sterling Shepard all out due to injury, the NY Giants’ offense ground out a win, thanks in part to Daniel Jones’ arm, legs, hands, and a defense that produced a season-high six sacks.

Here’s a look at the NY Giants’ studs and duds from Sunday’s win over the Panthers:

NY Giants EDGE Azeez Ojulari: STUD

Sunday was without question Azeez Ojulari’s coming out party.

In the fourth quarter, with the Panthers clinging to faint hopes of mounting a comeback, Ojulari was downright unblockable.

With 5:43 left, Ojulari shed a blocker in the backfield and dragged P.J. Walker down from behind for a sack. Earlier, he bull-rushed into the backfield and sacked Sam Darnold after Darnold was flushed up in the pocket by Leonard Williams.

Ojulari’s five tackles were one shy from the NY Giants’ team-high on Sunday afternoon, and his 2.5 sacks were a game and career-high for the Georgia alum. He also produced four quarterback hits and three tackles for loss.

At this rate, Ojulari is developing into one of the NY Giants’ most disruptive front-seven defenders and could make a push for Defensive Rookie of The Year, if he continues to produce at this level.