Bengals offense looks good in 23-10 win over Giants

By foxsports
Published

CINCINNATI (AP) Andy Dalton and the rest of the Bengals' offense were so good that they got the night off after less than 3 minutes.

Dalton completed all of his three passes, and the Bengals' starting offense was impressive in its only drive Friday night during Cincinnati's preseason 23-10 victory over the New York Giants.

Dalton was 3 for 3 for 31 yards, including a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mohamed Sanu. Coach Marvin Lewis decided that was enough, resting his starting offense after only 2 minutes, 55 seconds on the field. Dalton had completions of 12, 16 and 3 yards, and Jeremy Hill ran twice for 15 yards.

''I think what everybody saw just shows that we came out fully prepared,'' Dalton said. ''It's not that much but sure, it's a good start to the season. The first-unit guys were glad we could earn ourselves a short night.''

It was much different for the Giants' starters. Eli Manning and the rest of the offense stayed on the field until early in the second quarter, managing only one first down and 38 yards in four series.

''We need to be a little sharper,'' said Manning, who was 4 of 8 for 22 yards. ''We definitely have room for improvement. That's what preseason's for, to figure out what you have to improve on and go do it.''

The Giants lost two rookie safeties from their reconfigured secondary. Second-round pick Landon Collins left in the first injury with a knee injury, but X-rays were negative and he said he'll be back ''in a week or less.''

Fifth-rounder Mykkele Thompson hurt his right Achilles tendon while covering a punt and was taken off the field on a cart. Coach Tom Coughlin said that injury ''is a big concern.''

ROOKIE WATCH

Giants: First-round pick Ereck Flowers started at left tackle and got a personal foul penalty for grabbing Will Clarke's facemask while pass blocking.

Bengals: WR Mario Alford had one catch for 13 yards and ran a reverse for 23 yards.

QB COMPARISON

Giants: Backup Ryan Nassib was 8 of 18 for 79 yards.

Bengals: Backup Josh Johnson was 11 of 21 for 175 yards and scrambled six times for 37 yards.

POSITION BATTLES

Giants: The retooled defensive secondary had trouble covering the Bengals' starting offense in its one series.

Bengals: AJ McCarron didn't play because of pulled muscles in his side, a setback to his bid to win the No. 2 QB job.

FANTASY WATCH

Giants: WR Victor Cruz didn't suit up. Cruz, who is recovering from knee surgery last year, practiced for the first time on a limited basis Wednesday.

Bengals: TE Tyler Eifert caught Dalton's first pass, a 12-yard reception. Eifert and Dalton have been in sync during training camp.

INJURY UPDATE

Giants: In addition to the two injured rookie safeties, CB Trumaine McBride left in the second quarter with a hamstring injury. CB Jayron Hosley got an MRI on his neck and was evaluated for a concussion.

Bengals: Two reserve running backs went out: Rex Burkhead with a neck injury, Cedric Peerman with a knee injury. CB Darqueze Dennard didn't return after suffering a groin injury.

HOLDING ON

Bengals receiver Greg Little made a nice sideline catch for a 42-yard gain in the third quarter, then held up the ball to make sure the officials saw it. Little has a history of dropping passes.

EMPTY SEATS

The game drew 39,914 fans to Paul Brown Stadium, which seats 65,515.

QUOTABLE

Giants: ''I didn't like the way we started,'' Coughlin said. ''There was no tempo, no rhythm. We had issues (pass) protecting and running the ball.''

Bengals: ''Really, we just played against what we saw in practice against them this week,'' defensive end Carlos Dunlap said, referring to the teams' combined practices. ''We were fortunate that they gave us some plays we were ready for.''

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