Losing actually takes away all the fun and interesting things.
Case in point: the atmosphere in and around Munich over the past few days has been inebriated, but that has nothing to do with beer consumption. This was the second NFL game to be played in the Bavarian capital, and unlike the international game played in London, it still has that 'been there, done that' feel after all these years. But the novelty still remained.
This game was designated as a home game for the Panthers, and the crowd at Allianz Arena actually had more Carolina blue than deep Giants blue. There was a cheer when Malik Nabors made the catch down the field, but an even louder roar when Tuba Hubbard broke up the Panthers' long run.
In the end, the Giants couldn't overcome their mistakes. Two red zone interceptions by Daniel Jones and a devastating fumble by rookie Tyron Tracy on the first play of overtime gave the Panthers the lead on Eddie Pineiro's 36-yard field goal.
This resulted in a deal unlike anything the Giants had ever experienced before. The 20-17 loss in OT was the Giants' first loss overseas.
The three matches were played in London in 2007, 2016 and 2022, and they were previously 3-0 in those international matches.
These games allowed the Giants to embark on the long flight home with wins. The trip from Munich to Newark, New Jersey, came after a brutal and disappointing loss to what was considered the worst team in the NFL nine weeks into the season.
Now, 10 weeks into the season, the Giants are certainly candidates for that prestigious award.
Here's the one disappointing thing about all of this. What was supposed to be a great experience was ruined.
International matches have a different atmosphere, with European fans bringing a soccer-like atmosphere to the festivities. The packed crowd of 70,132 at FC Bayern Munich's home was in a party mood.
“Sweet Caroline,” “Take Me Home Country Road,” and “Hey! Baby,” the mostly German fans knew every word and shouted them out after the music stopped. Frisbees and paper airplanes were flying through the sky in the stands.
“Yeah, it was fun,” Giants defensive end Brian Burns said. “They were very interactive throughout the game, singing songs and cheering for things you don’t necessarily have to cheer for, but it was fun.”
Dexter Lawrence said it was “always really loud,” while Panthers quarterback Bryce Young credited Carolina's offense with being much quieter when he was on the field.
“For a while, I really didn't know what the cheers were about,” Lawrence said. “But it was cool. It was great to play here and have this experience. The grass wasn't as bad as I expected. But it was fun just to be a part of that culture.”
The two Giants defensemen did their best to tell the local media what they wanted to hear about Munich as the host city for this game.
After the Giants suffered five consecutive losses with two wins and eight losses, it was not easy to express the joy in words.
Burns said traveling this far during a six-hour change in time zones at the end of the season takes a toll on the players' bodies.
“I'd probably like to travel sooner,” Burns said. “The only other trip I took was to London in my rookie year, but that was a pretty early game. Later in the season, it gets a little taxing with your sleep schedule and everything else. You get into a routine. It makes me feel depressed. But in a way, it's good to have a week to recover.”
Lawrence was asked where he would like to see the Giants sent next season if they are selected for another game overseas.
“Oh, I might want to stay at MetLife.” [Stadium]” he said. “Traveling during the season is long. It's a bit difficult.”
It gets even rougher when you lose.
