In a game that turned into a battle of backup quarterbacks, the Bengals defense held the Giants' Colt McCoy to just three field goals but their offense couldn't give Brandon Allen enough support in a 19-17 loss Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium.
In his Bengals debut, Allen's running game could produce just 40 yards and three second-half turnovers doomed the first effort without rookie quarterback Joe Burrow.
Allen got the first touchdown since Burrow went down last week when he scrambled and, backpedaling, whipped a one-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Tee Higgins coming back for the ball with 2:33 left to cut the lead to 19-17 on a play that was set up by wide receiver Tyler Boyd drawing a 17-yard pass interference penalty.
The Bengals opted not to on-side it and were rewarded when McCoy's roll-out pass on third down for first down was negated by a hold.
And when Alex Erickson ripped off a 29-yard punt return to midfield, it looked like Allen was about to get an improbable victory, needing just 20 yards or so for a winning field goal. But on the first snap, Allen hesitated in the pocket and Jabaal Sheard came over the left edge to execute a sack strip to end it.
Allen finished 17 of 29 for 136 yards for a 67.5 passer rating. McCoy was at 65, but his defense got the three turnovers, not to mention his offensive line getting 142 yards rushing.
Two of the Bengals' bigger pass plays in the second half were wiped out on holding penalties by left tackle Jonah Williams and left guard Quinton Spain. Spain's hold had Allen dropping back into his end zone with less than five minutes left.
Then when Allen hit tight end Drew Sample for a first down, Sample lost the ball when cornerback Logan Ryan stripped him at the Bengals 19 with 4:12 left. The Giants put McCoy in a strait jacket and took the Graham Gano chip-shot field goal with 3:54 left for the 19-10 lead.
When the Bengals got the ball back, Allen had just 96 yards on 13 of 23 passing. The longest completions were to Sample (16) and running back Trayveon Williams (13). A.J. Green didn't have a catch. Green didn't finish catch and Boyd, their leading receiver, had just three catches for 15 yards with his longest just nine yards. Their longest play was Higgins' 18-yarder, one of his five catches for a team-leading 44 yards.
On the first two series of the second half, the Bengals missed two great third-down chances to take control of the game.
Game action photos from the Week 12 matchup as the Bengals host the New York Giants.
Cincinnati Bengals running back Trayveon Williams (32) prior to an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) prior to an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
New York Giants running back Dion Lewis (33) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Drew Sample (89) makes a catch during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
New York Giants wide receiver C.J. Board (18) plays the field during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) plays the field during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) plays the field during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
New York Giants free safety Julian Love (20) plays the field during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) plays the field during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Drew Sample (89) makes a catch during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Bobby Hart (68) battles against New York Giants linebacker Cameron Brown (47) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
New York Giants wide receiver Austin Mack (81) plays the field during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) plays the field during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Drew Sample (89) makes a catch during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals middle linebacker Josh Bynes (56) tackles New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) as he makes a catch during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
New York Giants wide receiver C.J. Board (18) plays the field during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) attempts a catch during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
New York Giants outside linebacker David Mayo (55) makes a catch during warmups up prior to an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) warmups up prior to an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
A view of an official Wilson football on the field during an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen (8) during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals offensive guard Mike Jordan (60) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mackensie Alexander (21) runs off the field after an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mackensie Alexander (21) runs off the field after an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals punter Kevin Huber (10) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen (8) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Jalen Davis (37) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard (94) during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carl Lawson (58) during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen (8) during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals kicker Randy Bullock (4) during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals kicker Randy Bullock (4) during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor talks to quarterback Brandon Allen (8) during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) and outside linebacker Jordan Evans (50) walk off the field after an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
New York Giants defensive end Niko Lalos (57) during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) reacts during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen (8) during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
The Cincinnati Bengals celebrate during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (59) and linebacker Logan Wilson (55) talk during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
New York Giants nose tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) and his teammates react during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals safety Brandon Wilson (40) during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs after a reception during the second half of NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen warms up before an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws during the first half of NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Drew Sample (89) rushes during the second half of NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen warms-up before an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals running back Trayveon Williams (32) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate (15) attempts a catch against Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mackensie Alexander (21) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals running back Trayveon Williams (32) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (85) makes a catch against New York Giants cornerback Isaac Yiadom (27) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (85) reacts to scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (85) makes a catch against New York Giants cornerback Isaac Yiadom (27) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (85) makes a catch against New York Giants cornerback Isaac Yiadom (27) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (85) carries the ball after making a catch during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen (8) throws a pass during warmups prior to an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen (8) throws a pass during warmups prior to an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen (8) throws a pass during warmups prior to an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen (8) throws a pass during warmups prior to an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen (8) throws a pass during warmups prior to an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen (8) looks to pass during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen (8) signals a first down during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen (8) signals a first down during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Bengals long snapper Clark Harris interacts with fans prior to a game against the New York Giants at Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020.
Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard signals that it is fourth down after making a stop against the New York Giants.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen passes during the second half of NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard (94) walks off the field after a loss to the New York Giants during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) is called for pass interference on Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) during the second half of NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Bengals kick returner Brandon Wilson celebrates after setting a team record with a 103-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the New York Giants.
New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) is tackled by Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carl Lawson (58) during the second half of NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor watches the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scrambles during the second half of NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants cornerback Isaac Yiadom (27) tackles Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (85) during the second half of NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals running back Trayveon Williams, right, rushes during the second half of NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Wide receiver Tee Higgins runs down field after making a reception against the New York Giants in Week 12 of the 2020 NFL season.
Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) rushes for a first down during the first half of NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Christian Covington (99) prior to an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Christian Covington (99) pressures New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) fumbles the ball before Cincinnati Bengals strong safety Vonn Bell (24) recovers it during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) catches a pass during the first half of NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Cincinnati Bengals strong safety Vonn Bell (24) celebrates a recovered fumble during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen (8) avoids a tackle by New York Giants linebacker Cameron Brown (47) during the second half of NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals strong safety Vonn Bell (24) returns a fumble during the first half of NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Cincinnati Bengals kicker Randy Bullock (4) watches the ball after kicking a 44-yard field goal during the first half of NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals strong safety Vonn Bell (24) and defensive end Margus Hunt (70) sack New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Drew Sample (89) rushes against New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during the first half of NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Cincinnati Bengals safety Brandon Wilson (40) rushes for a 103-yard touchdown during the first half of NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Safety Jessie Bates III look at the camera prior to a game against the New York Giants on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen is shown during warm-ups before an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Cincinnati Bengals middle linebacker Josh Bynes catches a pass before an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen warms-up before an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green warms-up before an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Giovani Bernard rushes the football against the New York Giants at Paul Brown Stadium on Nov. 29, 2020.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Auden Tate (19) prior to an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals middle linebacker Josh Bynes (56) prior to an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Bengals safety Vonn Bell recovers a fumble against the New York Giants in Week 12 of the 2020 NFL season.
Tackle Jonah Williams warms up in the end zone prior to the Sunday, Nov. 29 game against the New York Giants at Paul Brown Stadium.
Defensive end Carl Lawson (58) fires ups the defensive line prior to the Bengals game against the New York Giants on Nov. 29, 2020.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen passes during the second half of NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scrambles during the first half of NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
After Wilson nearly took the second half's opening kickoff half all the way like he did earlier in the game for a 103-yard kick return that was the longest in team history, the Bengals went three-and-out after getting the ball at their 38. On third-and-one usually reliable running back Giovani Bernard dropped a wide-open third-and-one pass out of the backfield.
Then Giants quarterback Daniel Jones again burned the Bengals secondary with tight end Evan Engram. In the first half their deep-ball 53-yarder set up New York's only touchdown. On their first drive of the second half they hooked up deep down the left sideline. Brandon Wilson was in great position to make a play at safety, but didn't and New York had the ball at the Bengals 28.
Then, with Jones out when he pulled his hamstring, McCoy came in to finish off the drive. He threw a third-down pass right to Bengals rookie linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither over the middle, but he dropped it and Graham Gano hit a 40-yard field goal to give New York a 13-10 lead in the middle of the third quarter.
That third quarter was miserable for the Bengals offense. They couldn't get a thing in the run game and with the Giants blanketing the field in zone, Allen couldn't find anyone open. He had just two completions in the third quarter for 19 yards and went into the fourth quarter with just 72 yards passing.
They missed their three third-down tries in the third quarter, but did get a first down on fourth down when up back Shawn Williams took the direct punt snap and ran seven yards for the first down on his second successful fake punt in three games.
Then running back Trayveon Williams grabbed his first NFL catch for 13 yards. But on the next snap, he lost two yards on a run when the Giants penetrated through the left side.
Then Allen tried to jam it into Boyd over the middle and cornerback Darnay Holmes batted it in the air and linebacker Niko Lalos, just off the practice squad came backward to make a diving interception at the Bengals 40. That turned it into a field goal that gave New York a 16-10 lead.
