John Fennelly , Executive Editor

The Giants were supposed to get their butts handed to them tonight in Charlotte, but they remained true to form – unpredictable – and surprised everyone by bashing the sloppy Carolina Panthers, 36-7.

They capitalized on five Panther turnovers and played staunch defense, shutting up all those yapping detractors who were leaving them for dead after two games.

Amazingly, they did it without WR Hakeem Nicks, OL David Diehl and RB Ahmad Bradshaw. Who woulda thunk it?

The Giants called on their backups to step up, and step up they did. Two players from their 2009 draft class, who had been considered busts until now, broke out in major fashion in front of a national TV audience.

WR Ramses Barden, who had only 16 career receptions going into tonight’s game, caught nine passes for 138 yards.

RB Andre Brown, who ran for 71 yards on 13 carries with a TD last week, showed that he was no fluke. Tonight, he continued to run with authority, racking up 113 yards on 20 carries and scoring twice.

They weren’t the only ones who enjoyed success in this one-sided romp….

The defense was all over Cam Newton, holding him to 6 yards rushing on six carries. They picked him off three times and sacked him twice.

TE Martellus Bennett had six more catches for 73 yards. He also scored on a 14-yard pass from Eli Manning. Bennett is the first player in Giants history to record a TD catch in each of his first three games in Blue.

Manning was extremely efficient, throwing for 288 yards on 27/35 passing. He had one TD and no INTs.

LB Michael Boley had a half-sack and another INT – his third in as many games.

CB Jayron Hosley had a strong game, highlighted by an acrobatic pick on a tipped pass.

DE Jason Pierre-Paul had a half-sack and batted several passes down at the line.

K Lawrence Tynes kicked field goals of 47, 49, 30, 36 and 27 yards and added three PATs.