Carolina Panthers Greg Hardy wins DPOW

Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy (76) reacts in the fourth quarter. The Seahawks defeated the Panthers 12-7 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Panthers were able to hold the New York Giants to a shutout despite playing a UDFA strong safety in Robert Lester, starting a backup strong safety at free safety in Mike Mitchell, and the Panthers also had a few injuries at cornerback. It’s incredible to think that the Panthers were able to hold down Eli Manning, Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks, Rueben Randle, and Brandon Myers to zero points with that secondary, but they did indeed accomplish that feat in an enormous 38-0 victory. A large part of the reason for the defensive dominance was an excellent pass rush, and the Carolina Panthers have one of the best DE duos in the NFL in Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy.

Both Johnson and Hardy were absolutely incredible in the victory, and Hardy was especially impressive. He sacked Eli Manning three times and played well against the run with five tackles. Will Beaty is a great left tackle in this league, but even the Giants best offensive lineman couldn’t handle Hardy, who was a real wrecking ball to the Giants offense.

Thus, it wasn’t much of a surprise to see Greg Hardy earn Defensive Player of the Week honors, and it’s something fellow star DE Charles Johnson hasn’t been able to do. In fact, the last Panthers DE to win the DPOW is Chicago Bears star Julius Peppers, who definitely had quite the career in Charlotte. Hardy is a very talented young player, and he was certainly dominant and crucial to the Carolina Panthers upset over the now 0-3 Giants.

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