NFL Munich Game
The hosts from Carolina
Profile: Carolina Panthers
Founded: 1995
City: Charlotte, North Carolina
Home stadium: Bank of America Stadium
Nickname: Cardiac Cats
Team colors: Black, blue, silver, white
Super Bowl appearances: 2 (2003, 2015)
Current head coach: Frank Reich
Notable players of the past: Steve Smith, Luke Kuechly, Cam Newton, Julius Peppers
Special successes:
The Carolina Panthers have been able to hold their own in the NFL since their foundation in 1995. The franchise from North Carolina won the NFC Championship twice and therefore has participated in the Super Bowl twice. The Panthers are known for their insane comebacks. On the way to the Super Bowl in 2003, they were able to turn around numerous games under quarterback Jake Delhomme and head coach John Fox.
Outlook for 2024:
The Carolina Panthers selected seven promising talents in the 2024 draft who, in the best-case scenario, will immediately strengthen the team. The jewel of the draft was drafted in round one, with wide receiver Xavier Legette. Legette, known for his explosive speed and reliable hands, will be a dependable go-to option for quarterback Bryce Young. An option the Panthers playmaker didn't have last year.
Running back Jonathon Brooks from Texas is also expected to reinvigorate the Black and Blue's overly tame offense. A torn anterior cruciate ligament in the last college year ensured that the versatile weapon was still available in the second round of the draft. In addition, there are expensive reinforcements for the offensive line, which was badly shaken in 2023. Guards Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt will receive more than 150 million US dollars between them - so that quarterback Bryce Young is not sacked 65 times in one season again.
Summary:
The Carolina Panthers have shown in the past that they can compete at the very top. In 2003 in particular, they were narrowly beaten in the final by the New England Patriots. After some difficult years recently, the “Cardiac Cats” now want to look ahead again with the new rookie draft class, particularly in the person of Xavier Legette. The hunt for the first Super Bowl title in the club's history has begun.
The guests from the Big Apple
THE GUESTS FROM THE BIG APPLE
Profile: New York Giants
Founded: 1925
City: New York, New York
Home stadium: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Nickname: Big Blue, G-Men, Jints
Team colors: Blue, Red, White
Super Bowl victories: 4 (1986, 1990, 2007, 2011)
Special achievements: The New York Giants are one of the most traditional and successful teams in the NFL. They have already won eight championship titles, including four before and four during the Super Bowl era. The team is known for its relentless defense and iconic players such as Lawrence Taylor, Eli Manning and Michael Strahan.
Current head coach: Brian Daboll
Notable players of the past: Lawrence Taylor, Eli Manning, Michael Strahan, Frank Gifford
Outlook for 2024:
The New York Giants only had six selections in the 2024 NFL Draft, most notably first-round pick and wide receiver Malik Nabers. Nabers, known for his impressive speed and outstanding catching skills, is seen as a potential game-changer for the Giants' offense. He has already shown in preparation that he will be a valuable addition to the team.
Big Blue” was also able to strengthen its defense with safety Tyler Nubin from Minnesota and cornerback Dru Phillips from Kentucky. Together with the dangerous defenders Kayvon Thibodeaux, Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns, the Giants want to hunt down the opposing quarterback. Burns in particular, who moved from Carolina to New York, still has a score to settle with his old colleagues.
Summary:
The New York Giants stand for true NFL history, with a long tradition, loyal fans and four Super Bowl titles. With the new rookie draft class, around the upcoming star receiver Malik Nabers, the franchise from the Big Apple is optimistic about the future and hopes to build on their past successes.
